Joint terminal attack controller training (JTAC) requires live-fire exercises, specialised aircraft, and other expensive resources. These demands have limited the frequency and availability of training for these highly trained experts who play a vital role in winning ground battles.
To combat this, in 2023, we introduced our innovative Australian-designed and manufactured Phoenix POD to the global market as a highly efficient and cost-effective alternative to contract close air support (CAS). Since then, we’ve seen significant interest and uptake.
Our POD has now flown under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) approvals. It’s also been awarded a Military Flight Release as approved role equipment from the United States Air Force (USAF).
While alternatives now exist, it remains the leading and only commercially available pod that provides a totally integrated JTAC training solution. Most importantly, it’s not a concept but a proven and in-service technology.
Broad military and civil applications
While our Australian-designed and manufactured Phoenix POD was conceived to support JTAC/JFO training requirements, it has other military and civil applications as a long-range day-and-night surveillance and live air-to-ground communications system.
These include intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR)/weapons systems operator training and supporting experimentation and training in current and future communications concepts, for example, NET-T and MUM-T, as well as ISR fire spotting and mapping, disaster mapping, search and rescue, and border control.
3 separate but connected subsystems
Let’s explore the technology. Our Phoenix POD consists of three separate but connected functional subsystems: the Phoenix POD itself, which is fitted onto the aircraft, the Phoenix Cockpit and Phoenix Ground Control (as an option).
- Phoenix POD – An off-the-shelf, integrated sensor and communications system
- Phoenix Cockpit – An intuitive pilot-operated 8” human-machine interface (HMI) that controls the Phoenix POD
- Phoenix Ground Station (optional) – A fixed ground station or mobile unit that enables on-ground control and training
The Phoenix Cockpit connects to the POD via a secure Wi-Fi link or optional MANET radio, while the Phoenix Ground uses a MANET hub or a connection to satellite communications, for example, Starlink.
The POD’s competitive advantage
The Phoenix POD stands out in its class. It leads the technology because of its integrated, innovative, user-centric design and operational efficiency that enables rapid deployment and delivers outstanding performance in the field.
Here are some of its key features and benefits:
Zero aircraft modification
The Phoenix POD is designed for maximum efficiency and ease of use, requiring zero aircraft modifications.
As non-permanent role equipment, it can be quickly installed and removed from aircraft without the need for any extensive integration, saving both time and money compared to other systems.
The Phoenix POD uses standard NATO 14” suspension lugs, making it simple to fit to stores pylons, while the Phoenix Cockpit offers kneepad or eye line HMI tablet mounting solutions.
Totally self-contained
Everything you need for effective operation is already included in the Phoenix POD.
It’s a totally self-contained system that features a built-in power supply, global positioning systems (GPS) feed, video capability, avionics and datalink devices.
The seamless integration of these elements ensures smooth functionality and performance, making it an all-in-one solution for JTAC training and other military and civil applications.
Lightweight pod design
At just 104kg/231lbs, our Phoenix POD is impressively lightweight—about the weight of a large adult male for reference—making it highly portable and adaptable.
Whether you’re operating from light aircraft or helicopters, this compact design reduces the dependency on other operational assets. In other words, it allows the user to operate it without needing extra resources or assets.
It’s a feature that’s especially useful for training scenarios, offering more flexibility and cost savings in deployment.
Sensor pod capabilities
The Phoenix POD brings together cutting-edge technology typically included in aircraft with operational sensor pods.
By incorporating and integrating a range of essential components like communications, data, and monitoring systems, it offers full sensor pod capabilities.
These components include electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) cameras and lasers on a Hood Tech Alticam AC-A4 sensor, a MIL-SPEC mission computer, and common data link (CDL).
This ensures comprehensive performance and reliability across various missions.
Multi-device communication
The Phoenix POD supports a broad range of both secure and non-secure devices for real-time communication and data sharing.
These include Rover, ATAK/APAS, Combat Net Radio, MANET, VMF and Link16.
This versatile system ensures smooth air-to-ground communication for seamless coordination during operations, and the broad compatibility makes it ideal for complex, multi-platform environments.
Dual control options
The Phoenix POD is designed to offer dual control options to suit different operational needs. It can be easily operated from the cockpit using an intuitive 8” tablet touchscreen (Phoenix Cockpit), providing on-the-fly control during missions.
This comes with bespoke SiNAB AltiView operating software, kneepad or eye line HMI tablet mounting solutions and double screen and picture-in-picture (Pip) view.
Alternatively, it can be managed remotely from the Phoenix Ground Station (fixed or mobile), which offers simulated UAS mode and record and replay functionality, making it a flexible tool for both simulated training and ground support.
This control duality allows for a wide range of applications.
Innovation that’s creating market contrails
While similar technologies are coming to market, we’re confident that our Phoenix POD has set the benchmark and will continue to lead the way.
The fact that it’s now proven and in service here in Australia and approved in the US is a testament to its capabilities and the cost and efficiency savings it offers—whatever type of application it’s being used for.
For more detailed use and spec information, visit our Phoenix POD/JTAC technologies page. Alternatively, contact us on +61 2 9188 0355 or email enquiries@sinab.com.
