The A-2 Bomber Jacket an historical perspective
A-2 Bomber Jacket
The A-2 Bomber Jacket, per specification 94-3040, was adopted as standard issue by the US Army Air Corps May 9th,1931.
The original A-2 Bomber jackets were seal brown or russet horsehide leather. Features knitted wrist-lets and waistband, shirt style collar, hook-and-eye latch at the throat and stitched down shoulder straps. All A-2’s had front snap flap patch pockets on both sides without side hand warmer pockets.
Issued to officers after basic flight training. Initially exclusive to commissioned officers. Later issued to enlisted air crews. General Hap Arnold, in 1943, cancelled all leather A-2 jackets in favor of nylon style jackets. Nylon jackets such as the B10 and B15. Many pilots continued to purchase their own leather A-2 from private manufacturers.
Modern A-2 Bomber Jacket
Years of effort to reintroduce the A-2 bomber jacket finally succeeded in 1988. Perhaps influenced by the popularity of the film “Top Gun“. Avirex won the first Air Force A-2 contract. Neil Cooper USA won later contracts. Which is now U.S. Wings of Ohio. The Modern Air Force A-2 is authorized for wear by Air Force aircrews, missileers, and space operations personnel.
The modern A-2 is called the A-2 2000. Neil Cooper USA were to redesign of the A-2 jacket. Redesign included side entry patch and inside wallet pockets. Extra pieces of leather under the arms and on the sides were add to enlarge the jacket. Eliminated were the neck clasp.
US Wings of Hudson, Ohio has a full range of A-2 Bomber jackets. Jackets include WWII style all the way up to and including the modern A2 2000. Jackets are available in many types of leathers including goatskin, cowhide, lambskin, bison and kangaroo. Contact their Customer Service department to help you in the selection process.
Call 1-800-650-0659 or go to: www.uswings.com.
