Unmanned program launched from Camp Shelby

The ‘Open Source Unmanned Remote and Autonomous Vehicle Systems’ program launched Friday from Camp Shelby, Miss., could be an attraction for firms interested in unmanned systems to come to south Mississippi, according to John Weathersby, executive director of the Open Source Software Institute. OSSI, along with the U.S. military and Department of Homeland Security, launched a program that merges two technology trends: Unmanned vehicle systems and open source software. The program outlined at Camp Shelby is designed to drive innovation and reduce costs in part by utilized open source software. The research program is to be based out of Camp Shelby and administered in conjunction with the Air Force, Army, Navy, DHS, Defense Acquisition University and non-government entities. Weathersby said economic development opportunities are very likely, and a UAS conference, tailored specifically for the OSS community, is being scheduled for Fall 2014. Commercial entities are being invited to visit or set up shop at Camp Shelby throughout the South Mississippi Defense Corridor, Weathersby said. (Source: GCAC, Dec. 13, 2013)