The Air Force wants tablets that meet iPad specs -- quickly

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The Air Mobility Command on Monday put its plans to acquire 18,000 tablet computers for flight crews on a fast-track schedule with a formal request for proposals . Responses are due Feb. 24.

The command, which transports troops and equipment globally, intends to replace the paper charts and technical manuals pilots rely on with electronic flight bags.

When Nextgov first reported AMC's planned purchase Feb. 6, a command spokesman said service officials were looking for an iPad 2 or its equivalent.

The RFP says the command wants to acquire "Apple iPad 2 or equal" devices, but an attachment containing product specifications contains only iPad specifications, including screen size and resolution, weight, viewing and input technologies.

Also on Monday, the Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued a request for information to determine whether iPad 2 or equal tablets are commercially available with a two-day turnaround.

While emphasizing it was open to purchasing an iPad equivalent, the Air Education and Training Command spelled out in an attachment that tablets it wants to buy should not run on the Windows or Android operating systems.

The command said it wants to acquire tablet computers to support Air War College distance learning programs and save money by switching to a paperless environment. According to the RFI, the command intends to buy 15 tablets.