The Type A-2 jacket is the most famous flight jacket ever issued by any air force. It represents the courage, daring, and accomplishments of those splendid young men who went to war in the skies over Europe and the Pacific in World War II.

     The Army Air Corps issued the A-2 from May 9, 1931, until General Hap Arnold ordered it replaced by an improved flight jacket in 1942. Even though the Air Force officially adopted the AN-J-3 flight jacket as a replacement for the A-2 in 1943, it remained the favorite flight jacket for aviators on every base on every front until well into the Korean War.

     The A-2 was popular among the general officers as well as on flight crews. General Jimmy Doolittle wore his when he took off from Hornet on his Tokyo raid April 18, 1942. General Claire Chennault wore his as the Flying Tigers dominated the skies over China in the summer of 1941. General Douglas MacArthur wore his during the Inchon amphibious landing September 15, 1950.

      Army Air Force A-2 specifications called for russet brown horsehide, wool cuffs and waistband, and a light brown cotton lining. The pocket and collar were secured with black oxide nipple snaps and the neck with a nickel hook-and-eye. Under the storm flap the jacket zipped up with an "interlocking fastening device."

      Uniform guidelines called for the winged Army Air Corps patch or a numbered Air Force patch to be worn on the left shoulder. Squadron patches and a leather nametag were often sewn above the left chest pocket. Officers sometimes wore their rank insignia on the shoulder straps.

      Aircrews decorated the back of their jackets with elaborate artwork painted directly on the leather. The picture was usually a reproduction of the aircraft nose art, a sweetheart, a pinup girl, or a patriotic scene. Some aces wore special red linings in their A-2's.

     The Army Air Force contracted with more than 20 companies to make A-2 jackets, so there were many variations. Each company followed the basic pattern but used its own manufacturing practices, sourced its own materials, and changed some pattern pieces. Some jackets had long, pointed collars, some had narrow sleeves, and some had straight pocket flaps. There were dozens of other variations in color, lining, knit, and zippers.

     Flight Suits' A-2 jacket combines the best of the original jacket variations so your A-2 will look exactly like an A-2 should. Our historical A-2 jacket has a 1-piece back, box-stitched shoulder straps, 1 3/8 inch wide storm flap, and gracefully curved pocket flaps. We've even reproduced an original A-2 label with AAF contract number and marked the lining with the USAAF insignia and an authentic AN inspection stamp.

     Working closely with an Italian tannery, Flight Suits have reproduced the original russet brown horsehide. The resulting leather has the same look, weight, and feel of original A-2's so your jacket will give you decades of wear.

     The lining is cut from a 196/90 tightly woven 100% cotton fabric dyed the original light brown color. The knit cuffs and waistband are made from pure, grade 64, worsted wool so they are comfortable and will retain their elasticity. The front closure is a nickel zipper with a bell pull. The pocket and collar are held down with black oxide nipple snaps. The collar closes with a nickel hook-and-eye.

     Your A-2 jacket will fit just right because we have updated the original patterns to modern measurements. In the 1930's Americans averaged 5 feet 8 inches tall and 140 pounds. Today we are taller, heavier, and proportioned differently. Flight Suits have updated the original A-2 patterns so your jacket will look just like an original, but it will fit right and be comfortable. You should order the same size A-2 you normally wear in a suit.

$538 

$568