US-based aircraft radar systems developer Fortem Technologies has secured an investment from Boeing’s HorizonX Ventures unit.

The investment was received through a Series A funding round, which features follow-on investments by Data Collective (DCVC) and Signia Venture Partners. The round raised a total investment of $15m.

It represents Boeing HorizonX’s second investment in autonomous systems technology since the fund was established in April last year.

Fortem Technologies is primarily involved in the development of airspace awareness solutions that are built using radar that is low in size, weight, and power to ensure safe operations of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

“Radar technology is a necessary and trusted element as we continue to strengthen autonomy capabilities for a variety of commercial and urban mobility applications.”

The company’s TrueView radar technology is designed to enable UAVs to detect and avoid other aircraft and airborne objects beyond the visual line of sight. This is a major capability required for future autonomous air vehicles.

Boeing HorizonX vice-president Steve Nordlund said: “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.”

Boeing HorizonX Ventures is an investment portfolio comprising various companies specialising in technologies for aerospace product and manufacturing innovations. This includes energy storage, advanced materials, augmented reality systems and software, machine learning and hybrid-electric propulsion.

Fortem Technologies CEO Timothy Bean said: “With support from Boeing and others, Fortem can scale more quickly to support continuous improvements in airspace safety.”

The company was established in 2016 and has already developed a suite of radar systems and radar-enabled product solutions to help unmanned aircraft and pilots safely operate in crowded airspace.