60s bomber jacket

Rare bomber jacket, late 60s.
Bought at berberjin a couple years ago.

It’s a iconic jacket, The early MA-1 flight jackets were subject to frequent updates, driven by pilot feedback and field performance. Spec number J-8279A represents the second model in the MA-1's evolution and was produced in just three contracts during 1957.

World War II was an era of rapid development in both aircraft and Pilot uniform and by the end of the war, the increased availability of Nylon, which was tested and determined to be the optimum fabric by the Aero Medical Laboratory, combined with the burgeoning Jet Age, led to the development of a new, light-weight Flight Jacket in the form of the L-2.

The L-2 was incredibly popular with pilots, but during its production, the US. Air Force was established as a separate branch of the United States Armed Forces and as the Korean War approached, the USAF began changing the color of most of its flying clothing from Olive Drab to Air Force Blue as part of an overall plan to forge a separate identity from the other branches of service and demonstrate their independence, hoping to boost moral of Airmen and encourage a healthy rivalry between the branches.

Production was managed by three contractors: Albert Turner, Lauren Sportswear, and Topps Apparel. The rounded wind flap, faithfully reproduced on this model, first appeared in the contract awarded to Lauren Sportswear. This suggests that the J-8279A designation corresponds closely with a shift in manufacturing technique rather than major changes in pattern or design.

Size M

Made in the USA