INFO
The Authentic Alpha MA-1 Flight Jacket
Often copied but never duplicated, the classic flight jacket made by Alpha for the military for over 40 years. For use in cold weather climates (20 degrees F) Reversible to high-visibility Indian Orange for use in emergencies.
- Front closure storm flap
- Alpha Signature Zippered utilty/pencil pocket
- Double Pull Tab on Heavy Duty Zipper
- BEST FLIGHT JACKET EVER MADE!
If you are unfamiliar with the fit of this jacket PilotEssentials.com recommends ordering 1 sizer larger than you normally wear.
OTHER INFO and FEEDBACK
The MA-1 flight jacket is perhaps the most popular clothing item ever designed for the United States military forces.History of MA-1
The MA-1 jacket was first developed in the late 1940's. A new flight jacket was needed at that time because the emergence of the jet age created new requirements for pilot comfort and safety. Prior to the invention of the jet aircraft, fleece-lined leather jackets were issued to flight personnel. However, the new jets could fly at much higher altitudes and in much colder temperatures than propeller aircraft. When the heavy, bulky leather jackets became wet from rain or perspiration, the water would freeze at high altitudes, making the jackets cold and uncomfortable. In addition, new jets were more streamlined in design and their cockpits were cramped. Speedy, unimpeded access to and from the cockpits became even more critical for safety. Rather than the bulky leather jacket, a sleek, more lightweight and warm jacket was needed for this new jet technology.
To meet these needs, a new type of flight jacket was developed. The material selected for the jacket was a high quality nylon. Nylon had been discovered prior to World War II, but it was not used in flight clothing until after the war; possibly because the demand for nylon for items, such as parachutes, consumed the available supply during the war. The initial nylon flight jacket was designed in about 1944. It was called the B-15 flight jacket (MIL-J-6251). The B-15 was similar to the MA-1 except it had a mouton fur collar. After a few years, the B-15 was discontinued and the MA-1 was introduced. The first MA-1 jackets were issued between 1949 and 1950 to the United States Air Force and Navy pilots and flight crews. Small numbers were also issued to Army flight personnel.
