US Air Force Buys iPads To Replace Flight Bags

redletterdave writes "Following the precedent set by commercial airliners, the U.S. Air Force plans to buy up to 18,000 iPads for its Air Mobility Command (AMC), replacing heavy flight bags with light and efficient Apple iPad 2s for the crews that fly cargo aircraft. The devices will reportedly be used by the crews on the C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster aircraft. There are several benefits to using electronic flight bags instead of physical versions. For one, the iPad can instantly update charts electronically, while the AMC would require flying charts get reprinted every 28 days to stay up-to-date. By cutting publication printing and distribution costs, and exchanging 70 pounds of paper for a 1.3-pound iPad, the Air Force can save some serious cash, including more than $1.2 million worth of fuel per year."

Comments

Re:Battery

[jjohnson]

Really? 5, Insightful, for making the totally obvious point that electronic devices have limited battery lifespans, and that any plan to use electronic devices in a particular environment should take account of that fact? This is what passes for highly rated commentary on /.? Does anyone really think that the Air Force hasn't incorporated this little fact into their planning?

I look forward to Picardo85's other stunning observations, such as how the routine use of food prevents starvation.

Re:iPad can charge off of USB ...

[idontgno]

So, go ahead and find me a USB port on the flight deck of a C-17. I'll wait.

<crickets>

I thought so. Whatever they're doing to keep their pads charged beyond normal battery endurance, it'll be a workaround hack (issuing external USB-connected battery packs along with the pad) or some significant auxiliary systems re-engineering of in-service military transport aircraft.

Too bad Boeing and Lockheed-Martin didn't have you working for them back when they designed those aircraft. And also, that USB hadn't been invented back when they designed those aircraft.