U.S. Marines Using iPads In CockPit Instead Of Paper Maps
June 1, 2011
The U.S. Marine Corps is in love with the iPad, according to a post by Tony Osborne, Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan. The tablet iDevice is primarily being used in the cockpit for mapping purposes, where it is reducing an aviator’s workload.
Since November 2010, marine pilots have been using the iPad to search out locations. Instead of flipping through “map packs that are heavy and take up room in the cramped cockpits,” aviators are simply tapping on the screen of the iPad.
According to Captain John Belsha, one of the sensor operators on the KC-130J Harvest Hawk:
“It's (the iPad) a game changer. In the past we have had to carry all the paper charts and the grid reference graphics we use as a reference for the ground forces in the area. If we had to carry every single one of them – we could on the Hercules, we have the room – but if you have a small cockpit like on the Cobra it's not feasible.”In addition to being used in the field, the iPad is also being used on aircraft based in the U.S. and as part of training. Says Belsha:
“It takes five minutes to teach someone how to use the thing – it’s so intuitive and easy, you don't really have to think about it.”What do you think? Leave your comments below.
