The U. S. Army Air Force Type B-15 Intermediate Flight Jacket was developed from lessons learned in field use of the highly popular B-10 Flight Jacket of 1943. As early as 1942, the Materiel Division of the US Army Air Forces was seeking an alternative material to sheepskin for producing flying suits, and by October of that same year development had begun at Wright Field on the Intermediate Flying Jacket, Type B-10. Originally constructed of an outer shell made from a fine, cotton twill, and lined with an alpaca-and-wool pile lining, the B-10 Flight Jacket was standardized on July 22,1943, though it was superseded less than 9 months later by the B-15 Flight Jacket. Both the B-10 and B-15 Flight Jackets were designed as replacements for the sheepskin flight jackets of the 1930s and early 1940s, and represented the first cloth-shelled, alpaca fur-lined flight jackets of the USAAF.

These flight jackets were an instant success with just about every aviator who encountered one, being much lighter and more versatile than the flight jackets they replaced. Intended for wear in climates between 25 degrees and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, the B-15 Flight Jacket was ideally suited for early spring and late fall and winter.

Buzz Rickson's brand has reproduced the B-15 Flight Jacket in exacting detail, based on those once produced for the AAF by the Rough Wear Clothing Co., and Buzz Rickson's heavy, cotton twill fabric is never to be confused with the cheap, flimsy fabrics used by lesser manufacturers to produce so-called vintage reproduction USAAF flying jackets. In fact, the only other flying jackets in the world today made from this fabric are those original vintage examples of the USAAF!  

This B-15 Flying Jacket correctly captures all the nuances found on original vintage B-15 Flight Jackets made by the Rough Wear Clothing Co., making this product virtually indistinguishable from an original vintage example of the USAAF. Take note of these authentic features:

• Copy of original maker’s label design produced on a vintage shuttle loom

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave Olive Drab cotton twill outer shell to precisely match original specs.

• Correct USAAF-spec. inner lining of warm, double-faced alpaca-and-wool blend. We cannot say too much about the use of the original, double-faced alpaca, which is what provides the warmth associated with the vintage jackets and requires vintage machinery found in Japan; at best, single-faced alpaca is present on cheaper look-alike costume-grade jackets and Buzz Rickson's does not make costumes.

• Gorgeous, plush, genuine mouton-fur collar with fur-padded button tab closure dyed to rich, deep-toned cognac brown

• Two snap-down exterior pockets lined with warm off-white shade corduroy precisely matching 1944 USAAF specs.

• Two snap-down interior pockets lined with heavy all-cotton drill fabric precisely matching 1944 USAAF specs.

• Authentic copy of a Talon zipper with blackened finish on jacket front, with cool-looking, contrasting tan-colored zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton

• Correct USAAF spec. leather pull tabs on zipper

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, all-wool knit cuffs and waist skirt in Olive Drab

• USAAF insignia transfer on left sleeve and wind flap behind zipper

• Assembly with all-cotton thread on vintage sewing machines 

Sizes: 36-44 Regular.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan

This Buzz Rickson’s A-2 Flight Jacket is a copy of those original A-2 Flight Jackets produced by the Rough Wear Clothing Co. of Middletown, PA under Air Corps contract 27752.  A-2 jackets produced under the 27752 contract are readily known to the community of A-2 enthusiasts, but this particular copy is that of what can be deemed the rarest of the variants found among extant examples of the 27752 A-2 jackets, which features the leather shell in a medium-brown shade with trace hues of olive rather than the typical dark brown leather associated with this contract run, or even the relatively few russet brown versions.  Additionally, the cotton-thread coloring on these rare 27752 A-2's tends to be more of an olive shade of Olive Drab vs. the light-shade Olive Drab that borders on golden rod in its coloring; otherwise, these rare 27752 A-2's appear rather typical to most of the 27752 A-2's that are the subject of greater familiarity.  

This A-2 Flight Jacket just looks incredibly cool, rugged and vintage the first time you put it on, thanks to Buzz Rickson’s thin, translucent coating of pure aniline dye and their exclusive, fully vegetable-tanned "Bronco Hide" horsehide, the likes of which is purposely cultivated in the tanning process to yield a heavy grain pattern that will continue to spread and grow through use as the leather creases and forms to the wearer's body.    A nicely aged vintage A-2 Flight Jacket will often reveal a mottled finish with the lighter-colored natural leather showing through over most of the entire jacket, which is due to a thin, hasty top coat of lacquer-based darker dye having been worn off with use.  Buzz Rickson’s employs an aniline dye process that exquisitely duplicates this same look since the old lacquer-type dyes can no longer be employed due to environmental restrictions; the more you wear this A-2, the more vintage it will become.

The “Bronco Hide” is a result of years of costly research in obtaining a rugged horsehide featuring uneven, deep-seated broken lines of all-natural grain typical of what can be found on many vintage A-2 Flight Jackets.  The hides are all sourced from the best leather country in the world – Italy- where a preeminent tannery selects only the best-of-the-best leathers (for this A-2 Flight Jacket the hides are 1.1mm in thickness), then vegetable tanned in such a way as to bring out the natural grain inherent in the horsehide.  These A-2 Flight Jackets get better looking with use as the patina of wear continues to mount from the natural abrasions the hide develops while being enjoyed by you.  Yes, Buzz Rickson’s may well have come up with the ultimate horsehide in the rarest, most unique color on the ultimate A-2 Flight Jacket reproduction money can buy - you won't find this combination of character-rich, rugged horsehide in this coloring anywhere else today!

Please note these authentic features:

• Copy of original-style maker’s label design produced on a vintage shuttle loom that precisely duplicates the label size and font size and type that appears on the vintage labels found on 27752 A-2's

• All-cotton thread in contrasting Olive Drab in a distinctly olive shade, as found a scant few of A-2 Flying Jackets originally produced under Rough Wear Clothing Co. contract 27752

• 1.1mm thick, vegetable-tanned, aniline-dyed horsehide imported from Italy with what can be readily argued as the most unique, attractive coloring found on any maker's A-2 jackets to date

• Single-piece back as found on all vintage A-2 Jackets

• Collar assembly following the pre-war pattern featuring a collar stand, exactly as found on the A-2 Flying Jackets originally produced under Rough Wear Clothing Co. contract 27752

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave all-cotton inner-lining fabric to precisely match 1940's USAAF specs. and dyed rust brown to match original vintage A-2's of this contract; the density and tightness of the weave of the lining may well be the most accurate of any reproduction A-2 made today

• Metal collar clip custom manufactured to the original USAAF spec. featuring the raised bend at mid-section and finished in correct semi-matte nickel plating s found on the A-2 Flying Jackets originally produced under Rough Wear Clothing Co. contract 27752

• Custom manufacture of correct ball-and-socket-style press studs located on pockets and collar ends, exactly duplicating the smaller (collar-size) and larger (pocket-size) found on original vintage Rough Wear A-2s

• Shoulder straps typifying the shape, size and stitch style found on original A-2's produced under Rough Wear Clothing Co. contract 27752

• Two snap-down exterior pockets with stitching and pocket configuration typifying the style found on original A-2's produced under Rough Wear Clothing Co. contract 27752

• USAAF authentic inspector’s stamp in off-white applied to lining

• The Army-Navy inspector-assigned number N-324 ink stamped in the lining as is typical for these 27752 A-2's produced in this rare coloring

• Custom manufacturing of two-ply super heavy-weight 100% worsted-wool knit cuffs and waist skirt in a medium- brown color, with cuffs correctly graduating from a wider weave into a narrow weave, exactly matching those found on original Rough Wear Clothing Co. contract 27752 A-2's.

Sizes available:  38-44 regular.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson’s products are imported from Japan

This Buzz Rickson’s A-2 Flight Jacket is a copy of those original A-2 Flight Jackets produced by the United Sheeplined Clothing Co. of Long Branch, New Jersey under Air Corps Purchase Order 42-18777.  This A-2 Flight Jacket exhibits important details that help differentiate one original A-2 Flight Jacket contractor and contract from another – details synonymous with the pedigree of historical accuracy found in the goods we offer, including for this United Sheeplined Clothing Co. A-2 Flight Jacket the following: Correct features of an early-production A-2 Flight Jacket from this contractor, including a russet-colored horsehide shell and a leather hanger sewn into the neck area that partially obscures the top lines of text on the neck label vs. the leather hangers found on most A-2 Flight Jackets, where the hanger is sewn above the top of the neck label.  Other distinctive features of United Sheeplined A-2 Flight Jackets have, of course, been correctly duplicated, including the pocket flap, collar, epaulette shape and size with contractor-specific stitching on epaulets, beveled lower corners on pockets, small ring-style press studs, seam widths, nicely squared shoulders, construction with all-cotton thread in contrasting light-shade olive drab, mid-brown lining, and knit parts dyed to the darker brown typical of United Sheeplined A-2 Flight Jacket.  Original A-2 Flight Jackets produced by United Sheeplined Clothing Co. are quite rare today in the community of flight jacket collectors due to the relatively small number produced by this contractor during WWII.

This A-2 Flight Jacket just looks incredibly cool, rugged and vintage the first time you put it on, thanks to Buzz Rickson’s unique aniline-dying process with hand-rubbed wax incorporated in the final phase, and their exclusive fully vegetable-tanned ”Bronco Hide.”  A nicely aged vintage A-2 Flight Jacket will often reveal a mottled finish with the lighter-colored natural leather showing through over most of the entire jacket, which is due to a thin, hasty top coat of lacquer-based darker dye having been worn off with use.  Buzz Rickson’s employs an aniline dye process that exquisitely duplicates this same look since the old lacquer-type dyes can no longer be employed due to environmental restrictions.  Once dying is complete, the master tanners at Buzz Rickson’s work hand-applied wax into the hides for this particular A-2 Flight Jacket copy, which creates a deeper depth of color and contrast between light and dark mottled areas and greater luster, thus enhancing characteristics of age and wear from use so this A-2 Flight Jacket will look like a combat veteran from day one, and also renders a significantly more comfortable A-2 Flight Jacket out of the box vs. the stiffer feeling and longer break-in periods typically associated with horsehide that is fully vegetable tanned.  And the overall appearance of the leather would not be anywhere near as authentic and beautiful if not for the exclusive “Bronco Hide” developed by Buzz Rickson’s.

The “Bronco Hide” is a result of years of costly research in obtaining a rugged horsehide featuring uneven, deep-seated broken lines of all-natural grain typical of what can be found on many vintage A-2 Flight Jackets.  The hides are all sourced from the best leather country in the world – Italy- where a preeminent tannery selects only the best-of-the-best leathers (for this A-2 Flight Jacket the hides are 1.1mm in thickness), then vegetable tanned in such a way as to bring out the natural grain inherent in the horsehide.  During the processing, the tannery has found a way to make the horsehide more soft and pliant, making these Buzz Rickson’s A-2 Flight Jackets incredibly comfortable right out of the box, then continuing to gain suppleness with each wearing, all the while maintaining the correct drape of an original A-2 Flight Jacket.  And these A-2 Flight Jackets get better looking with use as the patina of wear continues to mount from the natural abrasions the hide develops while being enjoyed by you.  Yes, Buzz Rickson’s may well have come up with the ultimate horsehide on the ultimate A-2 Flight Jacket reproduction money can buy.

Please note these authentic features:

• Copy of original-style maker’s label design produced on a vintage shuttle loom and that bears the name of the original contractor – United Sheeplined Clothing Co.

• All-cotton thread in contrasting olive drab as found on most A-2 Flying Jackets originally produced under Purchase Order 42-18777 by United Sheeplined Clothing Co.

• 1.1mm thick, vegetable-tanned, aniline-dyed horsehide imported from Italy with what can be argued as the best vintage patina available today, featuring Buzz Rickson’s unique hand-waxed process matching the look of many nicely aged A-2s made by United Sheeplined Clothing Co.

• Single-piece back as found on all vintage original A-2 Jackets

• Collar assembly following the simplified style adopted for the mass production of 1942-44, exactly as found on the majority of vintage A-2s originally produced during WWII and correct for a United Sheeplined Clothing Co. A-2 of this contract

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave all-cotton inner-lining fabric to precisely match 1940s USAAF specs. and dyed medium brown to match original vintage A-2s of this contract; the density and tightness of the weave of the lining may well be the most accurate of any reproduction A-2 made today

• Metal collar clip custom manufactured to the original USAAF spec. featuring the raised bend at mid-section with reversed backing plates, both of which are correct for United Sheeplined Clothing Co., and finished in correct semi-matte nickel plating

• Smaller ring-style press studs precisely matching those found on original United Sheeplined Clothing Co. A-2s

• Shoulder straps typifying the shape, size and stitch style found on original A-2s produced by United Sheeplined Clothing Co., including the joining seam hidden under the epaulets where front and back panels meet; most vintage A-2s have this seam located behind the epaulets

• Two snap-down exterior pockets with stitching and pocket configuration typifying the style found on original United Sheeplined Clothing Co. A-2s, most notably including the lower pocket corners cut at 45-degree angles

• Snap-down collar typifying the shape, size and stitch style found on original United Sheeplined Clothing Co. A-2s

• USAAF authentic inspector’s decal in off-white applied to reverse side of wind flap

• Correct to this A-2 contractor, a cotton label with lot and size printed in deep blue appears in the pocket

• The Army-Navy inspector-assigned number Z22 ink stamped in the lining as is typical for United Sheeplined Clothing Co. A-2s

• Custom manufacturing of two-ply super heavy-weight 100% worsted-wool knit cuffs and waist skirt in a dark brown color, with cuffs correctly graduating from a wider weave into a narrow weave, exactly matching those found on original United Sheeplined Clothing Co. A-2s.  These knit parts won’t stretch out from normal wear!

• Heavy leather hanging loop correctly sewn directly through the jacket lining and outer leather shell using a box stitch and located directly over top the first two lines of text on the neck label as per vintage A-2s produced by United Sheeplined Clothing Co.

Buzz Rickson’s products are imported from Japan

The U. S. Army Air Force Type B-10 Intermediate Flight Jacket was developed as a replacement for both the leather A-2 and sheepskin B-6 Flight Jackets.  The B-10 Flight Jacket was the first cloth-shelled, alpaca fur-lined flight jacket of the USAAF, being standardized for service in July 1943.  However, actual combat issue did not take place until late February 1944, with the 8th Air Force in England receiving an initial issue of  B-10 Flight Jackets with the corresponding A-9 Trousers.  By the spring of 1944, the B-10 was appearing in much greater quantities, as evidenced by the many 8th and 9th Air Force aircrews outfitted in this jacket in time for the D-Day invasion at Normandy on June 6, 1944. 

The B-10 Flight Jackets were an instant success with just about every aviator who encountered one, being much lighter and more versatile than the jackets they replaced.  Intended for wear in climates between 22 degrees and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, the B-10 Flight Jacket was ideally suited for early spring, late fall and winter. Fighter pilots took a particular shine to this slick new jacket style, as it afforded them far less bulk and considerably more comfort in their cramped cockpits.  Just as with all of the flight jackets of the USAAF, the B-10 Flight Jacket’s natural good looks and smart style immediately made it a coveted garment with anyone who could get their hands on one.  This proved especially true among most of the senior officer ranks of the U. S. Army fighting in Europe, as numerous photographs depict non-flying, non-USAAF personnel, such as Generals Ridgeway, Eisenhower, Patton, and Bradley wearing the B-10 Flight Jacket even though they had no rightful authorization to wear the jacket.  Furthermore, all officers of the U. S. airborne units received B-10 Flight Jackets as issue garments just as they had once been issued leather A-2 Flight Jackets, thus furthering their elite image within the army.  But it is the fighter pilot of 1944 and 1945 who was most typically personified through the wearing of a B-10 Flight Jacket. 

Though very popular, the official lifespan of the B-10 Flight Jacket designation was, however, rather short, being superseded by the newer B-15 Flight Jacket specification in late 1944.  Still, the B-10 Flight Jacket saw combat service right up until the end of WWII. After the war, veterans continued to wear these beloved jackets until threadbare, while surplus B-10 Flight Jackets found new homes via the great Army-Navy stores of the era.  Today, an original vintage B-10 Flight Jacket in really nice condition is a very, very scarce and desirable garment to a collector, with jackets in superior condition commanding a four-figure buying price in a heartbeat.

Buzz Rickson has reproduced the B-10 Flight Jacket in exacting detail.  Buzz Rickson’s cotton fabric is never to be confused with the cheap, flimsy sheet bedding fabric used by lesser manufacturers to produce so-called vintage reproduction USAAF flight jackets.  In fact, the only other flying jackets in the world today made from this cotton are those original vintage examples of the USAAF! 

This B-10 Flight Jacket is a Buzz Rickson’s Special Edition, correctly capturing all the nuances found on B-10 Flight Jackets once produced by the the L. S. L Garment Co., making this product virtually indistinguishable from an original vintage example of the USAAF.  Take note of these authentic features:  

• Exact copy of original maker’s label

with brown text on an off-white background produced on a vintage shuttle loom

•Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave three-ply, combed-cotton Olive Drab outer shell to precisely match 1943 USAAF specs.

•Correct USAAF spec. inner lining of warm, double-faced alpaca and wool, dyed to match the salt-and-pepper coloring of the original vintage  B-10s

•Gorgeous, plush, genuine sheep fur collar left in it’s natural buttery shade as found on many B-10’s produced by LSL

•Pencil slot assembled on the exterior of the left pocket in the exact fashion noted on extant B-10’s produced by LSL

•Two button-flap exterior pockets

•One snap-down interior pocket assembled in the unique style and the slightly smaller size associated with B-10’s once produced by LSL

•Exact copy of the 1943 Conmar zipper on jacket front, with zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton

• Correct USAAF spec. leather pull tab on zipper

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply 100% worsted wool knit cuffs and waist skirt in Olive Drab

•Wind flap protector behind zipper closure

•USAAF insignia transfer on left sleeve and on wind flap interior  

• USAAF insignia ink stamp in black in the smaller size associated with LSL-contracted B-10’s

• LSL inspector ink stamp in black on the wind flap

Sizes:  36-44 regular.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.  

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan  

The U. S. Army Air Force Type B-10 Intermediate Flight Jacket was developed as a replacement for both the leather A-2 and sheepskin B-6 Flight Jackets.  The B-10 Flight Jacket was the first cloth-shelled, alpaca fur-lined flight jacket of the USAAF, being standardized for service in July 1943.  However, actual combat issue did not take place until late February 1944, with the 8th Air Force in England receiving an initial issue of  B-10 Flight Jackets with the corresponding A-9 Trousers.  By the spring of 1944, the B-10 was appearing in much greater quantities, as evidenced by the many 8th and 9th Air Force aircrews outfitted in this jacket in time for the D-Day invasion at Normandy on June 6, 1944. 

The B-10 Flight Jackets were an instant success with just about every aviator who encountered one, being much lighter and more versatile than the jackets they replaced.  Intended for wear in climates between 22 degrees and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, the B-10 Flight Jacket was ideally suited for early spring, late fall and winter. Fighter pilots took a particular shine to this slick new jacket style, as it afforded them far less bulk and considerably more comfort in their cramped cockpits.  Just as with all of the flight jackets of the USAAF, the B-10 Flight Jacket’s natural good looks and smart style immediately made it a coveted garment with anyone who could get their hands on one.  This proved especially true among most of the senior officer ranks of the U. S. Army fighting in Europe, as numerous photographs depict non-flying, non-USAAF personnel, such as Generals Ridgeway, Eisenhower, Patton, and Bradley wearing the B-10 Flight Jacket even though they had no rightful authorization to wear the jacket.  Furthermore, all officers of the U. S. airborne units received B-10 Flight Jackets as issue garments just as they had once been issued leather A-2 Flight Jackets, thus furthering their elite image within the army.  But it is the fighter pilot of 1944 and 1945 who was most typically personified through the wearing of a B-10 Flight Jacket. 

Though very popular, the official lifespan of the B-10 Flight Jacket designation was, however, rather short, being superseded by the newer B-15 Flight Jacket specification in late 1944.  Still, the B-10 Flight Jacket saw combat service right up until the end of WWII. After the war, veterans continued to wear these beloved jackets until threadbare, while surplus B-10 Flight Jackets found new homes via the great Army-Navy stores of the era.  Today, an original vintage B-10 Flight Jacket in really nice condition is a very, very scarce and desirable garment to a collector, with jackets in superior condition commanding a four-figure buying price in a heartbeat.

Buzz Rickson has reproduced the B-10 Flight Jacket in exacting detail.  Buzz Rickson’s cotton fabric is never to be confused with the cheap, flimsy sheet bedding fabric used by lesser manufacturers to produce so-called vintage reproduction USAAF flight jackets.  In fact, the only other flying jackets in the world today made from this cotton are those original vintage examples of the USAAF!  This B-10 Flight Jacket is a Buzz Rickson’s Special Edition, correctly capturing all the nuances found on B-10 Flight Jackets once produced by the Rough Wear Clothing Company, making this product virtually indistinguishable from an original vintage example of the USAAF.  Take note of these authentic features:  

• Exact copy of original maker’s label produced on a vintage shuttle loom

•Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave three-ply, combed-cotton Olive Drab outer shell to precisely match 1943 USAAF specs.

•Correct USAAF spec. inner lining of warm, double-faced alpaca and wool, dyed to match the salt-and-pepper coloring of the original vintage  B-10s

•Gorgeous, plush, genuine mouton-fur collar in ginger-toned brown found on Rough Wear B-10s

• Two button-flap exterior pockets

•One snap-down interior pocket lined with heavy all- cotton twill fabric, precisely matching 1943 USAAF specs

•Exact copy of the 1943 Conmar zipper on jacket front, with zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton

• Correct USAAF spec. leather pull tab on zipper

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply 100% worsted wool knit cuffs and waist skirt in Olive Drab

•Wind flap protector behind zipper closure

•USAAF insignia transfer on left sleeve and on wind flap interior  

Sizes:  36-46 regular.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.  

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan  

The U. S. Army Air Force Type B-10 Intermediate Flight Jacket was developed as a replacement for both the leather A-2 and sheepskin B-6 Flight Jackets.  The B-10 Flight Jacket was the first cloth-shelled, alpaca fur-lined flying jacket of the USAAF, being standardized for service in July 1943.  However, actual combat issue did not take place until late February 1944, with the 8th Air Force in England receiving an initial issue of B-10 Flight Jackets with the corresponding A-9 Trousers. 

By the spring of 1944, the B-10 Flight Jacket was appearing in much greater quantities, as evidenced by the many 8th and 9th Air Force aircrews outfitted in this jacket in time for the D-Day invasion at Normandy on June 6, 1944.  The B-10 Flight Jacket was an instant success with just about every aviator who encountered one, being much lighter and more versatile than the jackets they replaced.  Intended for wear in climates between 25 degrees and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, the B-10 was ideally suited for early spring, late fall and winter.  Fighter pilots took a particular shine to this slick new jacket style, as it afforded them far less bulk and considerably more comfort in their cramped cockpits.  Just as with all of the flight jackets of the USAAF, the B-10 Flight Jacket's natural good looks and smart style immediately made it a coveted garment with anyone who could get their hands on one.  This proved especially true among most of the senior officer ranks of the U. S. Army fighting in Europe, as numerous photographs depict non-flying, non-USAAF personnel, such as Generals Ridgeway, Eisenhower, Patton, and Bradley wearing the B-10 Flight Jacket even though they had no rightful authorization to wear the jacket.  Furthermore, all officers of the U. S. airborne units received B-10 Flight Jacket as issue garments just as they had once been issued leather  A-2 Flight Jackets, thus furthering their elite image within the army.  But it was the fighter pilot of 1944 and 1945 who was most typically personified through the wearing of a B-10 Flight Jacket.

Though very popular, the official lifespan of the B-10 Flight Jacket designation was, however, rather short, being superseded by the newer B-15 Flight Jacket specification in late 1944.  Still, the B-10 Flight Jacket saw combat service right up until the end of WWII.  After the war, veterans continued to wear these beloved jackets until threadbare, while surplus B-10 Flight Jackets found new homes via the great Army-Navy stores of the era.  Today, an original vintage B-10 Flight Jacket in really nice condition is a very, very scarce and desirable garment to a collector, with jackets in superior condition commanding a four-figure buying price in a heartbeat.

Buzz Rickson’s offer a Special Edition of a rare B-10 Flight Jacket produced by the Superior Togs Co., Inc. during WWII.  Some wartime contractors used reddish or berry-colored wool knit cuffs and waistbands on flight jacket production, the most notable being Aero Leather of Beacon, NY, in the production of A-2 Flight Jackets, but at least one B-10 contractor also utilized this same knit color and this was Superior Togs.  Superior Togs also produced many of their B-10 Flight Jackets with an outer shell color that was distinctly olive drab vs. the darker green observed from most B-10 contractors.  Buzz Rickson’s cotton outer-shell fabric is never to be confused with the cheap, flimsy sheet bedding fabric used by lesser manufacturers to produce so-called vintage reproduction USAAF flight jackets.  In fact, the only other flight jackets in the world today made from this cotton are those original vintage examples of the USAAF! 

This B-10 Flight Jacket is a Buzz Rickson’s Special Edition, correctly capturing all the nuances found on B-10 Flight Jackets once produced by the Superior Togs Co., Inc., making this product virtually indistinguishable from an original vintage example of the USAAF.  Take note of these authentic features:  

• Exact copy of original maker’s label with gold text on a black background produced on a vintage shuttle loom.  It is noteworthy that B-10s of this contract have the size on the label preceded by a series of ellipsis dots vs. simply having the size appear standing alone.

• Hanger in neck area sewn into the collar; this was in contrast to those B-10s that had the hanger bar tacked in place.

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave three-ply, combed-cotton outer shell in a distinct hue olive drab to precisely match that found on most B-10s produced by Superior Togs.

• Correct USAAF spec. inner lining of warm, double-faced alpaca and wool, dyed to match the salt-and-pepper coloring of the original vintage  B-10s.

• Gorgeous, plush, genuine mouton-fur collar left in gingery shade of brown as noted on most extant B-10s produced by Superior Togs.

• Two button-flap exterior pockets with pocket flaps cut in the distinct shape noted on many B-10s produced by Superior Togs.

• Pencil slot assembled on the exterior of the left pocket in the typical fashion noted on B-10s produced by Superior Togs.

• One snap-down interior pocket assembled in the typical fashion noted on B-10s produced by Superior Togs.

•Exact copy of the 1943 Conmar zipper on jacket front, with zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton

• Correct USAAF spec. leather pull tab on zipper.

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply 100% worsted-wool knit cuffs and waist skirt in the berry shade associated with B-10s produced by Superior Togs.

• Wind flap protector behind zipper closure.

• USAAF insignia transfer on left shoulder sleeve.

• USAAF insignia screening in off-white and located on the wind flap.

• AN inspector ink stamp in black on right interior at zipper base.  

Sizes:  36-44 regular.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.  

Imported from Japan  

The C-2 Vest (sweater) is an all-time favorite of our founder, who deems its design, utility, construction, and function as genius, as well as indispensable with almost every jacket in one's wardrobe.

Developed in 1934 for the Air Corps and intended specifically to be worn under flying jackets and flying suits, the C-2 was both fabricated and designed to provide a very hugging fit; the narrow, tapered sleeves and hugging body help the C-2 to act as a second skin.  The intention was to provide for an additional 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit of useful life to any given outer garment, and with minimal bulk and interference when worn with any number of layers protecting from the cold.  The A-2 Flying Jacket was the main companion intended for wear with the C-2, as the A-2 was designated a Summer Flying Jacket and, with its lightweight poplin lining, really nothing more than a leather wind breaker.  

When the C-2 is worn with the classic A-2 Flying Jacket, the benefits are immediate and immense, truly allowing for use of the A-2 into colder temperatures without feeling chilled.  It has been said that to get the most use out of an A-2 Flying Jacket, one must be prepared to sweat and freeze:  the C-2 Winter Flying Vest can extend the useful life of the A-2 significantly into colder weather and substantially help to eliminate the "freezing" part associated with getting the most life from the A-2.  Additionally, thanks to the tapered sleeves (very snug from elbow to cuff), easy donning and removal of any jacket style is readily afforded with a TRUE C-2 Winter Flying Vest.  

Another substantive benefit of the C-2 is the full-zipper closure.  Many individuals find they want to remove their sweater once inside warmer surroundings, then having to reverse the process when heading back outside:  with most sweaters, this means pulling the sweater over one's head or slowly fidgeting with buttons, but the easy-glide zipper of the C-2 makes immediate removal and replacement effortless!

The C-2 is not just for use with the A-2 Flying Jacket:  the design, function, utility and overall fit makes it the perfect companion for any jacket, whether leather or textile in fabrication, and military or civilian in design!  Although attempted by other brands past and present, the various iterations of the C-2 have all fallen short in one or all of the following ways:  incorrect or less-than-precise fit (such as sizing small, medium, large, etc., or sizes that cover ranges, such as 42-44 vs. sizing that is size specific, such as 38, 40, 42), yarn size that is too thick (creates bulk and sloppy fit), yarns that are too fuzzy and soft (will not hold up to years of use), incorrect zipper types, sewing/assembly, and various other atrocities. 

Buzz Rickson's has, in their typical precision, crafted the ultimate C-2 Winter Flying Vest (sweater).  Please note these authentic, high-quality features that make this the ONLY C-2 to own:

• Copy of original maker’s label design produced on a vintage shuttle loom.

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave Olive Drab worsted-wool yarns to match AAF spec.  The yarns are not at all bulky or thick, and they have that crisp "bite" found on the vintage C-2 sweaters; these yarns are decidedly not at all soft or fuzzy, thus providing years, and years of use without premature wear and excess pilling.

• Taping of neck seam and zipper closure sides with contrasting HBT cotton fabric.

• Correct design of fit, with tapered arms and hugging body construction; in conjunction with the correct weight of wool yarns, the use of this C-2 with most any jacket will be a dream.

• One pocket on lower left side.

• Correct lockstitch throughout assembly.

• Authentic copy of a brass Conmar zipper custom made at great expense and outfitted with cool-looking, contrasting tan-colored zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton, and correctly reinforced with real bar tacking (not mere look-a-like stitching) at the base.

• Correct cotton hanging loop cross-stitched directly through the sweater neck area.

• Assembly with contrasting-color, all-cotton thread on vintage sewing machines.

When worn as originally intended, we can comfortably fit chest measures up to 46" - 48".  Please do NOT attempt to guess your size and please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan