Lynx to supply software for Crusader artillery

U.S. Army officials are choosing Lynx Real-Time Systems Inc. of San Jose, Calif., to provide the real-time operating system for the future Crusader field artillery system. Crusader, a two-vehicle system consisting of a 155-mm self-propelled howitzer and a resupply vehicle, is under contract to United Defense LP of York, Pa. United Defense officials chose Lynx for the operating system`s ability to provide rapid software development and long-term support for Crusader, Lynx officials say. LynxOS, a version of real-time Unix, supports the PowerPC 603/604 microprocessors and specialty boards that will run the Crusader, which eliminates the time necessary to port the operating system to new hardware. - J.K.