Boeing HorizonX is investing in Fortem Technologies, which develops advanced radar systems for unmanned and manned aircraft. Fortem’s TrueView radar technology helps unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) avoid other aircraft and objects beyond visual line of sight – a key capability for future autonomous air vehicles.
Fortem was founded in May 2016 and has developed a suite of radar systems and radar-enabled product solutions to help unmanned aircraft and pilots. TrueView is used in applications from cargo transport and package delivery to infrastructure inspections including oil refineries, prisons, airports, data centres and stadiums.
Boeing HorizonX Ventures participated in this Series A funding round, which included follow-on investments by Data Collective and Signia Venture Partners. It is Boeing HorizonX Ventures’ second investment in autonomous systems technology since the fund was established in April 2017. In October, it invested in unmanned systems company, Near Earth Autonomy.
“With support from Boeing and others, Fortem can scale more quickly to support continuous improvements in airspace safety,” said Timothy Bean, CEO of Fortem Technologies. “We look forward to continue working with Boeing as they develop autonomous air vehicles.”
Paving way to new markets
Steve Nordlund, VP, Boeing HorizonX, added: “Radar technology is a necessary and trusted element as we continue to strengthen autonomy capabilities for a variety of commercial and urban mobility applications. Safety is paramount in our approach to the responsible introduction of future air vehicles. Fortem’s radar systems will help as we pave the path to emerging markets of autonomous flight.”
The Boeing HorizonX Ventures investment portfolio is made up of companies specialising in technologies for aerospace product and manufacturing innovations, including energy storage, advanced materials, augmented reality systems and software, machine learning and hybrid-electric propulsion.
