In the relentless battle against wildfires and other catastrophic events, firefighters face unprecedented challenges that require cutting-edge tools and technologies to ensure effective response and safety. SiNAB, a Sydney-based company committed to bridging the gap between Defence technology and civilian applications, has developed the Phoenix Pod. A groundbreaking self-contained imaging sensor and rapid air-to-ground communication system that can easily be attached to various aircraft. The Phoenix Pod enables an airborne operator to provide Close Air Support (CAS) to a soldier on the ground. SiNAB is exploring the potential for the Phoenix Pod to provide similar real-time actionable information to firefighters.
The Phoenix Pod extends live video streaming and data transfer capabilities to all stakeholders within the firefighting response ecosystem, encompassing firefighters, ground stations and command centres. Equipped with a suite of up to five camera sensors, which includes electro-optic, medium-wave infrared, shortwave infrared and telescopic variants, the Phoenix Pod delivers real-time intelligence across both visual and infrared/heat spectrums. This cutting-edge technology empowers firefighters with up-to-the-minute information, enabling them to mount a swift and effective response to the most challenging fire scenarios.
“The Phoenix Pod represents a groundbreaking fusion of defence technology and civilian applications. Our commitment to equipping firefighters with cutting-edge tools like this self-contained imaging sensor and communication system reflects our dedication to their safety and effectiveness in battling wildfires and other critical situations.”
Tony Landers, CEO, SiNAB.
Technology origins
The genesis of the Phoenix Pod can be traced back to its development under the Australian Department of Defence – Defence Innovation Hub. Designed to provide Joint Forces with an advanced training capability at a reduced cost compared to existing systems, the Phoenix Pod comes with stringent design requirements. These specifications encompass imaging sensors, output quality, weight, configuration, communication and physical connections. As a result, the Phoenix Pod stands as a robust aerial imaging pod with applications extending beyond defence, now supporting the fire and emergency services sector.
One of the key features of the Phoenix Pod is its compatibility with standard NATO 14-inch pylons, simplifying attachment to various aircraft. This design eliminates the need for electrical connections to the aircraft, reducing engineering time and costs typically associated with integrating camera systems. The Pod’s internal battery negates the necessity for modifications to the airframe, ensuring a seamless, plug-and-play capability for aerial imagery operators. The wireless control panel can be handheld, making it user-friendly and eliminating the need for complex integration with the aircraft. The Phoenix Pod can also be controlled remotely from a ground station, offering operators beyond-line-of-sight capabilities, enhancing its versatility.
One of the primary requirements stemming from the Phoenix Pod’s defence origins was real-time data-transfer capability. This led to the integration of a range of radio transmitters, enabling seamless communication between the sensor and ground-based teams. The use of MANET (Mobile Ad Hoc Networking) mesh radios establishes a wireless network of communication nodes, facilitating real-time data distribution between aircraft and ground-based personnel. This capability equips firefighters with a continuously updated common operating picture, enhancing their ability to respond effectively to dynamic fire situations.
Use cases
The Phoenix Pod is a versatile aerial imaging and communication system designed to provide real-time optical and thermal images to first responders. Its orthomosaic functionality stitches optical and thermal images onto georeferenced maps, effectively transforming aircraft into linescan-capable assets. This capability proves invaluable for creating fire maps and delineating the fire-front boundary from the sky. The gimbaled sensor allows operators to focus and zoom in on hotspots, providing high-resolution images of critical points of interest.
The Phoenix Pod boasts a multispectral imaging solution, offering optical RGB, medium-wave infrared and shortwave infrared images. This enables the system to penetrate smoke and accurately pinpoint heat sources. With precise location data attached and transmitted, Air Attack Supervisors (AAS) and overwatch operators can provide a clear and detailed overview of the fire situation, transmitting live data to rapidly inform fire responders. Moreover, the high zoom capabilities of the Phoenix Pod permit operators to view fires from a safe stand-off range, optimising airspace utilisation for firebombing aircraft and minimising interference from other operators.
‘This means that flying 16km away from a fire, our Pod and ISR solution can provide high-definition footage over a wide area that is sent back to those decision makers in the control centre and potentially save many lives,’ said Tony Landers, CEO of SiNAB.
The benefits of the Phoenix Pod extend beyond firefighting applications. It serves as an advanced technology with utility across various emergency services, including search and rescue, coastal surveillance, flood mapping and disaster management. The system’s adaptability positions it as a force multiplier in the arsenal of tools available to emergency responders.
Lessons from defence
SiNAB’s extensive experience in the defence industry has afforded valuable insights and lessons that can be applied to the firefighting and emergency services sector. Defence authorities worldwide have learned the importance of standardisation to foster collaboration among different agencies with distinct methodologies and technologies. This harmonisation of methods and technologies across allied forces has proven to be a powerful solution to overcome segmentation and achieve common goals.
Australian fire agencies are now at the start of their journey in providing standard and common operating principles across States; however, there is still an ad-hoc approach to adopting many new and emerging technologies. Aerial imaging technologies usually require significant engineering work to modify an airframe and this is consistently completed on an ad-hoc basis in the fire and emergency services industry. To address this issue, SiNAB has adopted the NATO standard for attaching assets to aircraft, making the Phoenix Pod a versatile technology that can provide plug-and-play aerial imaging capabilities to any aircraft equipped with standard 14-inch pylons. This approach streamlines the integration of new capabilities, reduces costs and fosters common operating principles across agencies.
Standardised aircraft connection points, such as those used by the Phoenix Pod, enhance aircraft capabilities by allowing rapid attachment and detachment of mission-specific equipment. This flexibility empowers agencies to adapt swiftly to evolving mission requirements and optimises resource utilisation.
‘SiNAB’s journey from the defence sector to supporting the fire and emergency services industry continues to teach us the importance of standardisation and collaboration. By adopting NATO standards for aircraft attachment, the Phoenix Pod brings not only advanced capabilities but also streamlined integration, reducing costs and promoting common operating principles among agencies.’ said Tony Landers, CEO, SiNAB.
NSW bushfire R&D mission
SiNAB’s commitment to innovation and collaboration has been acknowledged through its receipt of a grant under the Bushfire Commercialisation Fund (BCF). This program, initiated by the NSW Government’s Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer, aims to accelerate the development and adoption of cutting-edge bushfire technologies. SiNAB’s grant supports further testing and commercialisation of the Phoenix Pod, facilitating its transition from a defence technology to a valuable asset for firefighting.
The Bushfire Response R&D Mission recognises the Phoenix Pod’s potential to offer state-of-the-art technology that enhances situational awareness and communication between aircraft and fire crews. This, in turn, leads to more effective firefighting efforts, promoting environmental preservation through early prevention and intervention. The adoption of this innovative solution strengthens the local supply chain and creates employment opportunities, contributing to the wellbeing of the community.
About SiNAB
SiNAB Pty Ltd is an Australian-owned and operated SME delivering high-end products, services and solutions to meet real-world challenges, specifically in defence and aerospace. With a team of experienced engineers and experts, SiNAB are accelerating capability for Australia through technology and innovation.
For more information, go to sinab.com
About the Author
Peter Axiotis
Peter Axiotis is Project Lead and Systems Analyst at SiNAB. A driven engineer and systems analyst, Peter has experience in the Australian mining, aerospace & defence and resource recovery industries. His roles have spanned technical statistical research, mechanical and systems engineering, executive-level strategy, M&A and financial analysis.
