San Diego, USA / Cessnock, Australia – February 2025
An Australian-developed Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) system, originally designed as a mission-capable, cost-effective Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) training solution, has successfully demonstrated its broader ISR and joint fires capabilities at AFCEA West 2025—the premier naval conference and exposition on the US West Coast.
The Phoenix Pod, developed by Australian company SiNAB, was initially designed as a low-cost, high-fidelity JTAC training solution that emulates electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor capabilities used by operational Close Air Support (CAS) aircraft. This system allows training aircraft such as the Textron T-6C, Pilatus PC-21, BAE Hawk and Aero L39NG to deliver realistic JTAC training without requiring aircraft modifications or systems integration—reducing operational costs and increasing training throughput.
From its JTAC training origins, the Phoenix Pod has evolved into an operational ISR asset for air, land, and maritime applications, providing long-range, real-time surveillance and reconnaissance with multi-spectral imaging, EO/IR scanning, and live air-to-ground communications.
World-First ISR Demonstration on the Persistent Systems Stand
The Phoenix Pod was showcased live on the Persistent Systems stand at AFCEA West, demonstrating its ability to deliver real-time, remote ISR capabilities from across the globe.
A Phoenix Pod mounted on a RAVN Hawk at Ellington Airfield, Texas, and another on the SiNAB Cessna O2A at Cessnock, Australia, streamed real-time ISR video directly to the conference in San Diego. Tony Landers, CEO of SiNAB, then took full remote control of the system from San Diego via the Phoenix Pod’s tablet HMI, proving that ISR assets can be operated globally with minimal latency.
This demonstration was made possible thanks to RAVN Aerospace, one of SiNAB’s first customers, who purchased the Phoenix Pod for their Hawk platform. In late 2023, RAVN was awarded the Contracted Close Air Support (CCAS) task order from the US Air Force to provide JTAC Training for the Air National Guard in Fort Smith, Arkansas. RAVN were recently granted a Military Flight Release (MFR) by the United States Air Force (USAF) for the operation of the Phoenix Pod on their BAE Hawk 67 aircraft. This milestone underscores the Phoenix Pod’s proven effectiveness in real-world training environments, reinforcing its value to coalition training programs.
Scott “Gak” Gallagher, a former US Navy F/A-18 Hornet Strike Fighter pilot, TOPGUN graduate and instructor, reinforced the significance of the Phoenix Pod’s capabilities, stating, “This is iron-clad confirmation of long-range detect, track, and identification.”
Unexpected Guests Steal the Show
As part of the live ISR demonstration from Cessnock, Australia, an unexpected test subject appeared—a mob of kangaroos grazing in paddocks adjacent to the airfield. Controlled from the trade show floor in San Diego, the Phoenix Pod detected, tracked, and displayed them in real time, offering a compelling demonstration of its ability to identify and monitor moving targets across vast areas.
While the moment provided a light-hearted example of situational awareness in action, it also underscored the Phoenix Pod’s real-world applications for force protection, battlefield ISR, border security, and target tracking across air, land, and maritime environments.
A Major Step Forward for Australian Defence Innovation—But Where’s the Investment?
The Phoenix Pod, developed with support from the Australian Government’s Defence Innovation Hub, has demonstrated its ability to deliver real-time ISR, target tracking, and force protection in complex operational environments. Its success at AFCEA West confirms its potential for integration into joint and coalition ISR solutions and highlights the growing international demand for Australian-developed technology.
Despite its Australian origins, investment from local defence programs has yet to materialise at the same pace as international interest. Notably, the Australian Defence Force deploys personnel to the United States to conduct JTAC training supported by US military and contracted training providers. A capability like the Phoenix Pod—developed in Australia—could provide a cost-effective, sovereign alternative that supports local training while maintaining interoperability with key allies.
“This is a sovereign Australian capability that has been tested, proven, and now showcased on the global stage,” said Landers. “The question is: will Australia seize the opportunity to lead in ISR innovation, or will our next-generation technology be realised offshore?”
Find out more about the Phoenix POD.
