Army Air Corps Leather Flight Jacket

Army airmen who wore them as a testament to their bravery independence and skill.

Army air corps leather flight jacket.

Army aviators in 1931 and worn by flight crews throughout world war ii the a 2 flight jacket was reissued by the u s. Nov 8 2017 explore tim tutka s board wwii u s. The type a 2 leather flight jacket is an american military flight jacket originally invented and developed for and closely associated with world war ii u s. Flight jackets were introduced during the early years of ww1 when many planes were not pressurized and so protection from the elements was required.

First issued to the u s. Service tested in 1930 the a2 jacket was adopted as the regulation army air corps flying jacket on may 9 1931. The type a 2 flying jacket was standardized by the u s. The hefty bomber jacket is cut for a generous fit and its poly fiber fill provides cold season comfort with a snap down collar epaulets zip up front with wind flap two front cargo.

Army air forces pilots navigators and bombardiers who often decorated their jackets with squadron patches and elaborate artwork painted on the back. Its style continues to be a perfect example of form following function. The most famous was the jacket designed for the army air force the a2 otherwise known as the bomber jacket flight jackets were generally made from horsehide with a silk or cotton lining. Its classic style has been in service since 1931 and over 70 years later continues to be the most sought after flight jacket design.

Army air corps as a successor to the a 1. Sometimes casually referred to as a bomber jacket its original designation was jacket. The a 2 flight jacket was made famous by u s.