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Fortem launches TrueView R20 radar system to make safe out-of-sight drone operation a reality

Fortem is one of many drone startups showcasing their products and platforms at CES 2018, and they’re an interesting one indeed. Fortem has announced a new radar system for drones called the TrueView R20, which it hopes will make autonomous out-of-sight drone flying a reality.

Fortem is confident enough that its technology checks enough of the FAA’s boxes that it is actively trying to convince the administration that their system is safe to fly at long distances and in adverse conditions autonomously. The company also announced it is working to further the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Pilot Program (UAS IPP).

The company’s CEO, Timothy Bean, told us tonight that they expect to get the FAA’s full approval by this time next year.

“One of the biggest challenges for the UAS industry is the ability to detect other aircraft and stay well clear of potential collisions. Achieving safe autonomous flight beyond-visual-line-of sight is going to be the next big chapter for the aviation industry,” the company’s Jared Essleman said.

Per the TrueView R20 data sheet that Fortem has published on its website:

TrueView R20 enables aircraft to be alerted of potential collision threats and has been integrated with most autopilot guidance systems to provide quick collision avoidance warning.

Fortem’s TrueView brings benefits beyond what other technologies offer, making it capable of detecting objects that would otherwise be obscured by bright lights, darkness, clouds, dust, and other challenging weather conditions.

For a little backstory, Fortem acquired its radar tech from IMSAR back in 2016 and then went on to raise $5.5 million in 2017 to bring its radar drone security solution, called DroneHunter, to market. The company now says that its DroneHunter system is up for purchase — although it’s not clear exactly what the price tag is. TrueView Radar Model R20 is also now available.

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