US Air Force Buys 18000 Apple iPads to Replace Flight Bags

Following the precedent set by commercial airliners in December 2011, the U.S. Air Force plans to buy up to 18,000 iPads for its Air Mobility Command, 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.
The deal to buy Apple tablets was first reported by NextGov, which noticed a memo on the Federal Business Opportunities Web site saying the AMC wants to purchase "a minimum of 63 and a maximum of 18,000, iPad 2,Brand Name or Equal devices." AMC's public affairs director, Lt. Col. Glen Roberts, clarified the report, stating the commend "is looking for a tablet device, not necessarily an iPad."

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