As early as World War I when airplanes had openair cockpits, pilots started seeking attire to provide warmth and comfort in the bitter temperatures of the open skies. Thus the start of the famous “Field Jacket” was born.

Over time, there have been many designs from the unofficial and popular early leather bomber jackets of 1915 through 1917 to subsequent official military style bomber jackets such as the 1931 “A2 Bomber Jacket.”

Historically, pilots and crews [grabbed|used|wore[/spin] whatever they could [acquire|find[/spin] because no specific or official gear was issued to handle the extreme-hazardous cold and weather conditions the pilots faced in world war I. Heavy long leather jackets quickly became popular with tight snug cuffs around the wrists, tight fit around the waists, and warm collars to help protect from the cold. These are the design principles that are at the heart of what today we commonly think of as a Leather Flight Jacket.

At the end of world war I, the United States army formed the Aviation Clothing Board and started distributing these comfortable leather jackets.

By the day World War II broke out, the United States Air Corp was distributing the A-2 Bomber Jacket. The Navy and Marine Corp were issuing a similar jacket that became called the G-1.

As aircraft sophistication developed throughout the war, airplanes were now flying at significantly higher altitudes and dramatically higher velocities. Temperatures inside these planes – often flying with open doors – plunged! And the stylish bomber jackets started to give way to a much more practical jacket with a lining of wool or fur. These warmer jackets were popularized by the B3 Bomber Flight Jacket, a large wool and fur lined jacket with large cargo pockets.

Ground personnel and flight crews soon adopted the pilot’s B3 Bomber Jacket, and the new B7 Flight Jacket became the popular rage.

A decade later saw the new age of the jet with an enclosed compartment and now attention needed to be focused on the warmth, comfort, and safety of the pilots. The B-15 Flight Jacket was designed out of nylon and various synthetic materials to keep the pilot both warm and dry. The light weight and more flexible design was also appreciated. As jet technology continued to develop, the MA-1 jacket removed the fur linings because they interfered with the harness of the pilot’s parachute. Now, you can routinely find both the B-15 and the Leather MA1 Flight Jackets with and without the fur linings.

A traditional Leather Flight Jacket is considered both a stylish and practical item of clothing. Suitable for a evening out on the town or a functional outdoor trip – and must be in every man’s closet.

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Written by: OSAblogger / Bill Wardell - Please Read Our Latest OSA eZine Edition

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OSA Technorati Tags: A-2 Bomber, Aviation Clothing Board, B-15, B-15 Flight, Bomber Jackets, jet technology, Marine Corp, Navy, United States, United States Air Corp, United States Army

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