Fortem’s detect-and-avoid system brings BVLOS to UAV pilot program

February 20, 2018 - By Tracy Cozzens

Fortem Technologies‘ new TrueView technology is being used in the U.S. Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Pilot Program to detect potential air-to-air collisions and enable unmanned aircraft to safely navigate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) day or night and in clouds, fog, smog and other challenging weather conditions.

The TrueView R20.

Fortem Technologies is working with Lead Pilot Partners to further the pilot program. The program aims to accelerate safe integration of UAS into the national airspace.

Fortem’s TrueView R20 meets critical selection criteria by putting safety and security data at the forefront to enable expanded drone operations such as BVLOS and operations at night. Using AI algorithms, TrueView provides accurate real-time situational intelligence and awareness for safe, autonomous, unmanned aircraft operations.

Fortem TrueView R20 weighs 1.5 lbs. and is a breakthrough technology because of its small form factor, weight, power requirements and low cost.

Fortem’s radar technology has been hardened over the past six years through rigorous testing with the U.S. Department of Defense.The company provides advanced radar systems and associated software systems for manned and unmanned aircraft as well as its own modern air defense system known as the Fortem DroneHunter.

In January, Fortem Technologies announced the close of a $5.5 million funding round led by Signia Venture Partners and Data Collective.

“One of the biggest challenges for the UAS industry is the ability to detect other aircraft and stay well clear from potential collisions,” said Jared Essleman, director, Utah division of aeronautics. “Achieving safe autonomous flight beyond-visual-line-of sight is going to be the next big chapter for the aviation industry. The announcement of TrueView R20 technology is an exciting development for safe autonomous operations, allowing UAS to course correct as needed to mitigate risk.”

“We are proud of our progress and ability to innovate around one of the most daunting challenges in the drone industry; namely safe BVLOS and nighttime operations,” saidTimothy Bean, CEO of Fortem Technologies. “With TrueView, we have responded to feedback from our customers to bring this needed detect-and-avoid product to a worldwide market.”