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Tux Enlisted for U.S. Defense Program

Posted by samzenpus on from the free-as-in-bombs dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Linux is a key part of the Army's massive $200B FCS (Future Computing System) initiative, it seems. RTOS vendor LynuxWorks was chosen to provide the OS for 18 weapons platforms under development, because its LynxOS-178 real-time OS can run Linux binaries -- including the "common operating environment" that Boeing is developing for FCS."

6 of 312 comments (clear)

  1. Don't expect compliance with the GPL by ClosedSource · · Score: 0, Troll

    If Linux is modified as part of this program, don't expect any changes to be contributed back to the community. The military can pretty much get away with anything under the guise of national security.

  2. Re:Yay, no BSOD by Janitha · · Score: 0, Troll

    Hmm, in a way I have to agree with that as well. Now that I think about it, I think it doesnt matter what OS that runs your weapons, war will never leave any winners, both sides will lose.

  3. Exploits by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Troll

    Is it just me, or is the idea of weapon systems build on opensource software troubleing? I mean, wouldn't a highly proprietary/secret embeded system that no one has the source code to be more secure?

  4. I for one by houghi · · Score: 0, Troll

    welcome our new U.S. Defense overlords.

    Uh wait, I don't.

    --
    Don't fight for your country, if your country does not fight for you.
  5. So... by Atrax · · Score: 0, Troll

    ... Now killing people is Open Source?

    OK, so I know, the price of freedom is that bad stuff happens as well as good. But isn't anyone else uncomfortable with the US Ministry of Violent Death using your code to, essentially, kill people?

    --
    Screw you all! I'm off to the pub
  6. Re:Does LynxOS really contain Linux code? by argent · · Score: 1, Troll

    I'm hoping FCS switches back to looking at Red Hat - at least they have a track record.

    My experience with Red Hat is that I wouldn't wish the military involved with that track record...

    At least you didn't say they have a good one. :)