US Air Force Ordering Up to 18,000 iPad 2 with $9.36 Million Contract
More adoption of Apple tablet as electronic flight bag.
U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command just awarded the $9.36 contract today to buy iPad 2.
Military spokeswoman Captain Kathleen Ferrero told Bloomberg:
“‘Aircrews fly nonstop worldwide missions and require access to flight publications both on and off the aircraft, throughout all phases of flight,’ Ferrero said in an e-mail. The so-called electronic flight bags will help crews operate more effectively and safely, and support the Pentagon’s efficiency goals, she said.”
Phoenix-based computer services company Executive Technology Inc. won the contract to supply 32GB iPad 2 Wi-fi:
“The type of iPad the command is buying retails for $599, Ferrero said. The Air Force would buy it at a discount for about $520 a device.”
In related news:
- Marine corps and navy pilots already use iPads as electronic flight bag in combat missions.
- Civilian airlines such as United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta also use iPad electronic flight bag.
- Navy Seals use iPad in this waterproof bag.
[via macrumors]
Related Posts
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- Marine Corps + Navy Pilots Use iPad in Combat Missions
- American Airlines to Replace Paper Charts with iPad Electronic Flight Bags
- iPhone Apps Could Win You a Million Frequent Flyer Miles
I think this is great, but I kind of wonder what happens if they drop and break the thing, or two, they run out of battery?
1. Durability: Good case or backup device. It’s also very difficult to break an iPad from seating position.
2. Battery: they are not running iPad for 10 hour straight, so the battery would keep its charge. Cockpits also have electrical outlet to charge devices.