The U. S. Air Force Type B-15C Intermediate Flight Jacket replaced the earlier Olive Drab B-15B Flight Jacket beginning in 1950.  The most easily recognized difference between the B-15C Flight Jacket and B-15B Flight Jacket is color.  By 1950, 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, especially the army.  The B-15C Flight Jacket was initially produced for a very short period from surplus Olive Drab nylon left over from the superseded B-15B Flight Jackets, but the overwhelming majority of B-15C Flight Jackets were manufactured in a gorgeous dark blue nylon.  Though a B-15C Flight Jacket is scarce, a B-15C (mod.) Flight Jacket is truly a very special and rare garment.

The designation of “mod.” stands for modified, meaning the B-15 Flight Jacket has been “modified” by a USAF Materiel Command Depot in accordance with a USAF directive of 1954.  The directive called for all of the types of B-15 Flight Jackets on issue or in stock to be “modified”, whereupon the factory-installed fur collar was to be removed and a wool knit collar installed in its place.  This modification was intended to reduce the flying jacket’s flammability that was considered greater with a fur collar in place.  B-15 Flight Jackets so modified were to have a new label indicating this new “modified” status sewn either directly over the original factory label or located somewhere under the original label.  The label information could be printed, typed, hand written or applied with a stencil or ink stamp on any available fabric.  Since the modification was performed after the jacket was originally made, it is typical to find the thread color around the collar area not matching the thread that assembled the B-15 Flight Jacket, and it is also common to find the new knit collar color to be in a shade that doesn’t quite match the knit on the rest of the jacket.  In all other ways, the flight jacket remained a B-15 of whatever spec. it was originally - B-15A, B-15B, B-15C or B-15D.

Buzz Rickson brand takes other extraordinary steps to recreate this classic jacket style in the exact, same manner of original production.  The nylon twill used in the lining of the original garments is a lighter type from that used on the exterior (because the USAF reasoned that the lining would be subject to less wear and tear), and indeed Buzz Rickson has recreated both weights of nylon twill for their reproduction, but supreme, museum-grade authenticity does not stop there.  The original nylon twill, being produced in large runs by various manufacturers, would also reflect slight color shifts in each dye lot produced - nothing outlandish, mind you, but noticeable enough when you hold one roll of fabric against another from a different dye lot or different manufacturer.  To counter this unavoidable color deviation, the USAF specs. stipulated that a jacket had to me made from fabric that was entirely from the same dye lot, except for small pieces of the jacket such as the interior pocket welting.  Astute observers of the original garments are aware of this detail, and so are the jacket masters at Buzz Rickson, thus Buzz Rickson brand goes the extraordinary extra mile and expense and has two purposely different shades of nylon twill produced (albeit subtly different shades), so that the interior pocket welting does indeed appear to be subtly different in shade from the rest of the jacket lining, exactly duplicating a normal result of true, mass production in a reproduction garment that has nothing in common with mass production and is crafted in small batches with love.

The B-15C (mod.) Flight Jacket’s lightweight construction, comfortable non-bulky warmth, fabulous blue color and natural good looks made this style an instant success with jet jockeys at bases around the world, as well as anyone who could beg, borrow or steal one of these coveted gems.  It was intended for wear in climates between 22 degrees and 52 degrees Fahrenheit, thus ideally suited for early spring, late fall and winter.  The famous USAF MA-1 Flight Jacket was directly derived from the “modified” B-15s in 1957.  Although superseded by the MA-1, it was not uncommon to find an old veteran still wearing some of the B-15 series flying jackets in their “modified” configurations into the 1960s.  The popularity of B-15 Flight Jacket series produced one of the longest continued service careers of any flying jacket in the history of the USAF.

Buzz Rickson has reproduced the B-15C (mod.) Flight Jacket in exacting detail. Buzz Rickson’s heavy nylon twill fabric is never to be confused with the cheap, flimsy flight satin used by lesser manufacturers to produce so-called vintage reproduction USAF flying jackets.  In fact, the only other flying jackets in the world today made from this nylon are those vintage examples of the USAF!  

This Buzz Rickson’s B-15C (mod.) Flight Jacket correctly captures all the nuances found on an original vintage B-15C (mod.), making this product virtually indistinguishable from an original vintage example of the USAF.  Take note of these authentic features:

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

• Authentic typewritten label indicating the “modified” status sewn on top of factory label

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave Air Force Blue nylon outer and inner lining shells to precisely match 1950 USAF specs. and treated to repel water

• Correct USAF spec. inner lining of warm alpaca and wool fiber filling sandwiched between the outer and inner shell

• Collar area authentically sewn with thread that does not match the thread used to assemble the rest of the jacket, exactly as on a “modified” B-15

• Two snap-down exterior pockets lined with warm 80/20 wool-rayon fabric precisely matching 1950 USAF specs.

• Two snap-down interior pockets lined with heavy-weight, all-cotton twill fabric precisely matching 1950 USAF specs.

• Exact copy of the super-desirable, spring-loaded, late 1940s Crown zippers on sleeve pocket and jacket front, with zip tape made of all- cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton

• Center-set frontal zip closure, exactly matching original B-15C specs.

• Heavy wind flap protector located behind zipper closure

• Correct USAF spec. leather pull tabs on zipper

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply 100% worsted-wool knit collar, cuffs and waist skirt in dark blue

• Heavy, parachute harness nylon in USAF Blue correctly sewn to left front chest for attaching oxygen mask retainer clip

• Two snap-down tabs (one on each breast) for retaining headset and microphone wiring leads, exactly as on original vintage B-15Cs

• USAF insignia transfer on left sleeve and under maker label in lining

• Zippered pocket on left sleeve outfitted with four pen/pencil slots and two anti-puncture pencil caps made of USAF-spec. brass

Sizes available:  36-44.   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. Air Force Type B-15C Intermediate Flight Jacket replaced the earlier Olive Drab B-15B Flight Jacket beginning in 1950.  The early B-15C Flight Jackets were produced in the same Olive Drab of the B-15B Flight Jackets, while later-production B-15C Flight Jackets, which represented the majority of this spec., were produced in USAF Blue.  By 1950, 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, especially the army. Though all B-15C Flight Jackets are scarce, a Type B-15C (mod.) Flight Jacket is truly a very special and rare garment, and a B-15C (mod.) Flight Jacket in Olive Drab stands as the rarest of these two modified B-15C Flight Jacket styles.

The designation of “mod.” stands for modified, meaning the B-15 Flight Jacket has been “modified” by a USAF Materiel Command Depot in accordance with a USAF directive of 1954.  The directive called for all of the types of B-15 Flight Jackets on issue or in stock to be “modified," whereupon the factory-installed fur collar was to be removed and a wool knit collar installed in its place.  This modification was intended to reduce the flight jacket’s flammability that was considered greater with a fur collar in place.  B-15 Flight Jackets so modified were to have a new label indicating this new “modified” status sewn either directly over the original factory label or located somewhere under the original label.  The label information could be printed, typed, hand written or applied with a stencil or ink stamp on any available fabric.  Since the modification was performed after the jacket was originally made, it is typical to find the thread color around the collar area not matching the thread that assembled the B-15 Flight Jacket, and it is also common to find the new knit collar color to be in a shade that doesn’t quite match the knit on the rest of the jacket.  In all other ways, the flight jacket remained a B-15 Flight Jacket of whatever spec. it was originally - B-15A, B-15B, B-15C or B-15D.

Buzz Rickson brand takes other extraordinary steps to recreate this classic jacket style in the exact, same manner of original production.  The nylon twill used in the lining of the original garments is a lighter type from that used on the exterior (because the USAF reasoned that the lining would be subject to less wear and tear), and indeed Buzz Rickson has recreated both weights of nylon twill for their reproduction, but supreme, museum-grade authenticity does not stop there.  The original nylon twill, being produced in large runs by various manufacturers, would also reflect slight color shifts in each dye lot produced - nothing outlandish, mind you, but noticeable enough when you hold one roll of fabric against another from a different dye lot or different manufacturer.  To counter this unavoidable color deviation, the USAF specs. stipulated that a jacket had to me made from fabric that was entirely from the same dye lot, except for small pieces of the jacket such as the interior pocket welting.  Astute observers of the original garments are aware of this detail, and so are the jacket masters at Buzz Rickson, thus Buzz Rickson brand goes the extraordinary extra mile and expense and has two purposely different shades of nylon twill produced (albeit subtly different shades), so that the interior pocket welting does indeed appear to be subtly different in shade from the rest of the jacket lining, exactly duplicating a normal result of true, mass production in a reproduction garment that has nothing in common with mass production and is crafted in small batches with love.

The B-15C (mod.) Flight Jacket’s lightweight construction, comfortable non-bulky warmth, fabulous blue color and natural good looks made this style an instant success with jet jockeys at bases around the world, as well as anyone who could beg, borrow or steal one of these coveted gems.  It was intended for wear in climates between 22 degrees and 52 degrees Fahrenheit, thus ideally suited for early spring, late fall and winter.  The famous USAF MA-1 Flight Jacket was directly derived from the “modified” B-15 Flight Jackets in 1957.  Although superseded by the MA-1 Flight Jacket, it was not uncommon to find an old veteran still wearing some of the B-15 series flight jackets in their “modified” configurations into the 1960s.  The popularity of B-15 Flight Jacket series produced one of the longest continued service careers of any flight jacket in the history of the USAF.

Buzz Rickson has reproduced the B-15C (mod.) Flying Jacket in exacting detail. Buzz Rickson’s heavy-weight, nylon twill fabric is never to be confused with the cheap, flimsy flight satin used by lesser manufacturers to produce so-called vintage reproduction USAF flying jackets.  In fact, the only other flying jackets in the world today made from this nylon are those vintage examples of the USAF!  This Buzz Rickson’s B-15C (mod.) Flying Jacket correctly captures all the nuances found on an original vintage  B-15C (mod.), making this product virtually indistinguishable from an original vintage example of the USAF.  Take note of these authentic features:

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

• Authentic typewritten label indicating the “modified” status sewn on top of factory label

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave Olive Drab nylon outer and inner lining shell to precisely match 1950 USAF specs. and treated to repel water

• Correct USAF-spec. inner lining of warm alpaca and wool fiber filling sandwiched between the outer and inner shell lining

• Collar area authentically sewn with thread that does not match the thread used to assemble the rest of the jacket, exactly as on a “modified” B-15

• Two snap-down interior pockets lined with heavy 100% cotton twill fabric precisely matching 1950 USAF specs.

• Two snap-down exterior pockets lined with warm 80/20 wool-rayon fabric precisely matching 1950 USAF specs.

• Exact copy of the super-desirable, spring-loaded late 1940s Crown zippers on sleeve pocket and jacket front, with zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton

• Center-set frontal zip closure, exactly matching original B-15C specs.

• Heavy wind flap protector located behind zipper closure

• Correct USAF-spec. leather pull tabs on zippers

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply 100% worsted-wool knit collar, cuffs and waist skirt in olive drab, with the collar knit correctly not matching the color of the cuffs and waist skirt in keeping with the way an original “modified” jacket would appear

• Brown leather tab correctly sewn to left front chest for attaching oxygen mask retainer clip

• Two snap-down tabs (one on each breast) for retaining headset and microphone wiring leads, exactly as on original vintage B-15Cs

• USAF insignia transfer on left sleeve and under maker label in lining

• Zippered pocket on left sleeve outfitted with four pen/pencil slots and two anti-puncture pencil caps made of USAF-spec. brass

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

Crown is a registered trademark in the USA of History Preservation Associates

Imported from Japan

The U. S. Air Force Type B-15C Intermediate Flight Jacket replaced the earlier Olive Drab B-15B Flight Jacket beginning in 1950.  The most easily recognized difference between the B-15C Flight Jacket and B-15B Flight Jacket is color.  By 1950, 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, especially the army.  The B-15C Flight Jacket was initially produced for a very short period from surplus Olive Drab nylon left over from the superseded B-15B Flight Jackets, but the overwhelming majority of B-15C Jackets were manufactured in a gorgeously dark blue nylon.

Both O. D. and blue B-15C Flight Jackets became icons of the Korean air war, and possibly the most famous of the B-15 Flight Jacket series, having been extensively photographed while being worn by film star Marilyn Monroe and her entourage while performing in a USO tour of air bases just after the Korean war.

The B-15C Flight Jacket’s lightweight construction, comfortable non-bulky warmth, beautiful blue color and natural good looks made this style an instant success with jet jockeys at bases around the world, as well as anyone who could beg, borrow or steal one of these coveted gems.  It was intended for wear in climates between 25 degrees and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, thus ideally suited for early spring, late fall and winter.  The lifespan of both the O. D. and blue B-15C Flight Jacket designations was, however, rather short, being superseded by the newer B-15D Flight Jacket specification (made in a grayish Sage Green) in 1952.  The realities of combat in Korea proved that a downed aviator had a far better chance of survival and evading capture wearing clothing in a color that camouflaged the wearer, thus the later blue flying clothing became nothing much more than a prestige symbol used in non-combat areas, while the earlier O. D. versions were seen as life-saving gear to a potential downed airman in enemy territory.  All of the non-modified B-15 Flight Jacket designations saw action in history’s first jet-on-jet air battles of the Korean War, and although the final variant, the B-15D Flight Jacket, entered service at the close of the Korean War and was itself later replaced by the MA-1 Flight Jacket in 1957, it was not uncommon to find an old veteran still wearing some of the B-15 series flight jackets in their “modified” configurations into the 1960s.  The popularity of B-15 Flight Jacket series produced one of the longest continued service careers of any flight jacket in the history of the USAF.

Buzz Rickson brand takes other extraordinary steps to recreate this classic jacket style in the exact, same manner of original production.  The nylon twill used in the lining of the original garments is a lighter type from that used on the exterior (because the USAF reasoned that the lining would be subject to less wear and tear), and indeed Buzz Rickson has recreated both weights of nylon twill for their reproduction, but supreme, museum-grade authenticity does not stop there.  The original nylon twill, being produced in large runs by various manufacturers, would also reflect slight color shifts in each dye lot produced - nothing outlandish, mind you, but noticeable enough when you hold one roll of fabric against another from a different dye lot or different manufacturer.  To counter this unavoidable color deviation, the USAF specs. stipulated that a jacket had to me made from fabric that was entirely from the same dye lot, except for small pieces of the jacket such as the interior pocket welting.  Astute observers of the original garments are aware of this detail, and so are the jacket masters at Buzz Rickson, thus Buzz Rickson brand goes the extraordinary extra mile and expense and has two purposely different shades of nylon twill produced (albeit subtly different shades), so that the interior pocket welting does indeed appear to be subtly different in shade from the rest of the jacket lining, exactly duplicating a normal result of true, mass production in a reproduction garment that has nothing in common with mass production and is crafted in small batches with love.

Buzz Rickson has reproduced the Blue B-15C Flight Jacket in exacting detail.  Buzz Rickson’s heavy-weight nylon twill fabric is never to be confused with the cheap, flimsy flight satin used by lesser manufacturers to produce so-called vintage reproduction USAF flying jackets.  Buzz Rickson brand takes other extraordinary steps to recreate this classic jacket style in the exact, same manner of original production.  The nylon twill used in the lining of the original garments is a lighter type from that used on the exterior (because the USAF reasoned that the lining would be subject to less wear and tear), and indeed Buzz Rickson has recreated both weights of nylon twill for their reproduction, but supreme, museum-grade authenticity does not stop there.  The original nylon twill, being produced in large runs by various manufacturers, would also reflect slight color shifts in each dye lot produced - nothing outlandish, mind you, but noticeable enough when you hold one roll of fabric against another from a different dye lot or different manufacturer.  To counter this unavoidable color deviation, the USAF specs. stipulated that a jacket had to me made from fabric that was entirely from the same dye lot, except for small pieces of the jacket such as the interior pocket welting.  Astute observers of the original garments are aware of this detail, and so are the jacket masters at Buzz Rickson, thus Buzz Rickson brand goes the extraordinary extra mile and expense and has two purposely different shades of nylon twill produced (albeit subtly different shades), so that the interior pocket welting does indeed appear to be subtly different in shade from the rest of the jacket lining, exactly duplicating a normal result of true, mass production in a reproduction garment that has nothing in common with mass production and is crafted in small batches with love.  The only other flight jackets in the world today made to this level of authenticity are those original vintage examples of the USAF!

This Buzz Rickson’s Blue B-15C Flight Jacket correctly captures all the nuances found on original vintage Blue B-15C Flight Jackets, making this product virtually indistinguishable from an original vintage example of the USAF.  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 Blue nylon outer and inner lining shell to precisely match 1950 USAF specs., including treating to repel water
• Correct USAF-spec. inner lining of warm alpaca-and-wool fiber filling sandwiched between the outer and inner shell lining
• Gorgeous, plush, genuine mouton-fur collar with fur-padded button-tab closure dyed to 1950 USAF specs. of a rich, dark blue
• Two snap-down exterior pockets lined with warm 80/20 wool-rayon fabric precisely matching 1950 USAF specs
• Two snap-down interior pockets lined with heavy all-cotton twill fabric precisely matching 1950 USAF specs
• Exact copy of the super-desirable, spring-loaded early 1950s Crown zippers on sleeve pocket and jacket front, with zip tape made of all- cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton
• Center-set frontal zip closure, exactly matching original B-15C specs
• Correct USAF-spec. leather pull tabs on zippers
• Custom manufacturing of the correct, 100% worsted-wool knit cuffs and waist skirt in blue
• Heavy, parachute harness nylon in USAF Blue correctly sewn to left front chest for attaching oxygen mask retainer clip
• Two snap-down tabs (one on each breast) for retaining headset and microphone wiring leads, exactly as on original vintage Blue B-15Cs
• USAF insignia transfer on left sleeve and under maker label in lining
• Zippered pocket on left sleeve outfitted with four pen/pencil slots and two anti-puncture pencil caps made of USAF-spec. brass

Sizes:  34-44.   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. Air Force Type B-15C Intermediate Flight Jacket replaced the earlier Olive Drab B-15B Flight Jacket beginning in 1950.  By 1950, 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, especially the army.  The B-15C Flight Jacket was initially produced for a very short period from Olive Drab nylon, but the overwhelming majority of  B-15C Flight Jackets were manufactured in a dark blue nylon.  Those early O. D. B-15C Flight Jackets, though not great in production numbers, were indeed produced in quantities that were substantial enough to make a very noticeable presence in the first two years of the Korean War, and thus are very typical of what the aircrews were outfitted with in 1950 and 1951 before the blue B-15C Flight Jackets began to show up in greater numbers. 

Because these early O. D. B-15C Flight Jackets were entirely issued to active aircrews during these early days of the war, extant examples today are extraordinarily rare due to high attrition, making the very rare blue B-15C Flight Jacket actually appear, by comparison, rather common.  The O. D. B-15C Flight Jackets share the same design of center-set frontal zipper closure as the blue version (this feature easily distinguishes the O. D. B-15C Flight Jacket from the O. D. B-15B Flight Jacket with its offset zipper), but the O. D. B-15C Flight Jacket is unique from the blue version in that the oxygen mask retainer tab on the left breast is still made of brown leather like the B-15B Flight Jacket, and not the heavy-weight, parachute harness nylon of the blue B-15C Flight Jacket.  Additionally, the shade of olive drab nylon shell fabric used to fabricate the B-15C Flight Jacket tends to be more green and often more shiny than the same fabric used in production of the B-15B Flight Jacket.  Both O. D. and blue B-15C Flight Jackets became icons of the Korean air war, and possibly the most famous of the B-15 flight jacket series, having been extensively photographed while being worn by film star Marilyn Monroe and her entourage while performing in a USO tour of air bases just after the Korean war.

The O. D. B-15C Flight Jacket’s lightweight construction, comfortable non-bulky warmth, camouflaging green color and natural good looks made this style an instant success with jet jockeys at bases around the world, as well as anyone who could beg, borrow or steal one of these coveted gems.  It was intended for wear in climates between 25 degrees and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, thus ideally suited for early spring, late fall and winter.  The lifespan of both the O. D. and blue B-15C Flight Jacket designations was, however, rather short, being superseded by the newer B-15D Flight Jacket specification (made in a grayish Sage Green) in 1952. 

The realities of combat in Korea proved that a downed aviator had a far better chance of survival and evading capture wearing clothing in a color that camouflaged the wearer, thus the later blue flying clothing became nothing much more than a prestige symbol used in non-combat areas, while the earlier O. D. versions were seen as life-saving gear to a potential downed airman in enemy territory.  All of the non-modified B-15 Flight Jacket designations saw action in history’s first jet-on-jet air battles of the Korean War, and although the final variant, the B-15D Flight Jacket, entered service at the close of the Korean War and was itself later replaced by the MA-1 Flight Jacket in 1957, it was not uncommon to find an old veteran still wearing some of the B-15 series flight jackets in their “modified” configurations into the 1960s.  The popularity of B-15 Flight Jacket series produced one of the longest continued service careers of any flight jacket in the history of the USAF.

Buzz Rickson has reproduced the Olive Drab B-15C Flight Jacket in exacting detail.  Buzz Rickson’s heavy-weight nylon twill fabric is never to be confused with the cheap, flimsy flight satin used by lesser manufacturers to produce so-called vintage reproduction USAF flying jackets.  Buzz Rickson brand takes other extraordinary steps to recreate this classic jacket style in the exact, same manner of original production.  The nylon twill used in the lining of the original garments is a lighter type from that used on the exterior (because the USAF reasoned that the lining would be subject to less wear and tear), and indeed Buzz Rickson has recreated both weights of nylon twill for their reproduction, but supreme, museum-grade authenticity does not stop there.  The original nylon twill, being produced in large runs by various manufacturers, would also reflect slight color shifts in each dye lot produced - nothing outlandish, mind you, but noticeable enough when you hold one roll of fabric against another from a different dye lot or different manufacturer.  To counter this unavoidable color deviation, the USAF specs. stipulated that a jacket had to me made from fabric that was entirely from the same dye lot, except for small pieces of the jacket such as the interior pocket welting.  Astute observers of the original garments are aware of this detail, and so are the jacket masters at Buzz Rickson, thus Buzz Rickson brand goes the extraordinary extra mile and expense and has two purposely different shades of nylon twill produced (albeit subtly different shades), so that the interior pocket welting does indeed appear to be subtly different in shade from the rest of the jacket lining, exactly duplicating a normal result of true, mass production in a reproduction garment that has nothing in common with mass production and is crafted in small batches with love.  The only other flight jackets in the world today made to this level of authenticity are those original vintage examples of the USAF! 

This Buzz Rickson’s Olive Drab B-15C Flight Jacket correctly captures all the nuances found on original vintage O. D. B-15C Flight Jackets, making this product virtually indistinguishable from an original vintage example of the USAF.  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 nylon outer and inner lining shell to precisely match 1950 USAF specs. and typify the early O. D. B-15C production, including treating to repel water
• Correct USAF-spec. inner lining of warm alpaca-and-wool fiber filling sandwiched between the outer and inner shell lining
• Gorgeous, plush, genuine mouton-fur collar with fur-padded button-tab closure dyed to 1950 USAF specs. of a rich, deep-toned dark brown
• Two snap-down exterior pockets lined with warm 80/20 wool-rayon fabric precisely matching 1950 USAF specs
• Two snap-down interior pockets lined with heavy all-cotton twill fabric precisely matching 1950 USAF specs
• Exact copy of the super-desirable, spring-loaded early 1950s Crown zippers on sleeve pocket and jacket front, with zip tape made of all- cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton
• Center-set frontal zip closure, exactly matching original B-15C specs
• Correct USAF-spec. leather pull tabs on zippers
• Custom manufacturing of the correct, 100% worsted-wool knit cuffs and waist skirt in Olive Drab
• Heavy, dark brown leather tab correctly sewn to left front chest for attaching oxygen mask retainer clip
• Two snap-down tabs (one on each breast) for retaining headset and microphone wiring leads, exactly as on original vintage O. D. B-15Cs
• USAF insignia transfer on left sleeve and under maker label in lining
• Zippered pocket on left sleeve outfitted with four pen/pencil slots and two anti-puncture pencil caps made of USAF-spec. brass

Sizes:  34-44.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.  

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan    

This is a one-time production; once they are gone, that's all there will be!

The USAF B-15D Intermediate Flight Jacket was developed as a direct replacement for the blue B-15C Flight Jacket.  B-15C Flight Jackets were produced in blue circa 1950 as part of an effort by the then-new USAF service branch to stand apart from the old USAAF and its association with the U. S. Army.  This blue color proved unsatisfactory in combat conditions during the Korean War, where a downed airman needed a combat uniform color that would help conceal him from any nearby enemies and the new USAF blue, unfortunately, only made downed aviators better targets and more easily found.  The result of this combat experience in the first two years of the Korean War resulted in the development of a new color that did better to conceal downed airmen and, by mid-1952, the first of the combat flying clothing began to appear in this new color known as sage green, with the first B-15D Flight Jackets seeing combat in Korea later in 1952.  The early sage green tended to have a distinctly more silver-grey cast to it than the later sage green shade employed in the 1960’s. 

The B-15D Flight Jacket’s lightweight construction, comfortable non-bulky warmth, and natural good looks made this style an instant success with jet jockeys at bases around the world, as well as anyone who could beg, borrow or steal one of these coveted gems; the gorgeous color of the B-15D with its plush fur collar earned it a place as the most beautiful jacket in the USAF at the time.  The B-15D was intended for wear in climates between 25 degrees and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, thus ideally suited for early spring, late fall and winter.  It was not uncommon to find an old veteran still wearing some of the B-15 series flight jackets in their “modified” configurations into the 1960’s.  The popularity of B-15 Flight Jacket series produced one of the longest continued service careers of any flight jacket in the history of the USAF.

Buzz Rickson has resurrected the B-15D Flight Jacket in exacting detail.  Buzz Rickson’s heavy-weight nylon twill fabric is never to be confused with the cheap, flimsy flight satin used by lesser manufacturers to produce so-called vintage reproduction USAF flying jackets.  Buzz Rickson brand takes other extraordinary steps to recreate this classic jacket style in the exact, same manner of original production.  The nylon twill used in the lining of the original garments is a lighter type from that used on the exterior (because the USAF reasoned that the lining would be subject to less wear and tear), and indeed Buzz Rickson has recreated both weights of nylon twill for their reproduction, but supreme, museum-grade authenticity does not stop there.  The original nylon twill, being produced in large runs by various manufacturers, would also reflect slight color shifts in each dye lot produced - nothing outlandish, mind you, but noticeable enough when you hold one roll of fabric against another from a different dye lot or different manufacturer.  To counter this unavoidable color deviation, the USAF specs. stipulated that a jacket had to me made from fabric that was entirely from the same dye lot, except for small pieces of the jacket such as the interior pocket welting.  Astute observers of the original garments are aware of this detail, and so are the jacket masters at Buzz Rickson, thus Buzz Rickson brand goes the extraordinary extra mile and expense and has two purposely different shades of nylon twill produced (albeit subtly different shades), so that the interior pocket welting does indeed appear to be subtly different in shade from the rest of the jacket lining, exactly duplicating a normal result of true, mass production in a reproduction garment that has nothing in common with mass production and is crafted in small batches with love.  The only other flying jackets in the world today made to this level of authenticity are those original vintage examples of the USAF!  This Buzz Rickson’s B-15D Flight Jacket correctly captures all the nuances found on original vintage B-15D Flight Jackets, making this product virtually indistinguishable from an original vintage example of the USAF.  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 sage green nylon outer and inner lining shell to precisely match 1952 USAF specs., including treating to repel water

•    Correct USAF-spec. inner lining of warm alpaca-and-wool fiber filling sandwiched between the outer and inner shell lining

•    Gorgeous, plush, genuine mouton-fur collar with fur-padded button-tab closure dyed to 1952 USAF specs. of a rich, dark sage green

•    Two snap-down exterior pockets lined with warm 80/20 wool-rayon fabric precisely matching 1952 USAF specs

•    Two snap-down interior pockets lined with heavy all-cotton twill fabric precisely matching 1952 USAF specs

•    Exact copy of the super-desirable, 1952 Crown zippers on sleeve pocket and jacket front, with zip tape made of all- cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton

•    Center-set frontal zip closure, exactly matching original B-15D specs

•    Correct USAF-spec. leather pull tabs on zippers

•    Custom manufacturing of the correct, 100% worsted-wool knit cuffs and waist skirt in dark sage green

•    Heavy, parachute harness nylon in sage green correctly sewn to left front chest for attaching oxygen mask retainer clip

•    Two snap-down tabs (one on each breast) for retaining headset and microphone wiring leads, exactly as on original vintage B-15D’s

•    USAF insignia transfer on left sleeve and under maker label in lining

•    Zippered pocket on left sleeve outfitted with four pen/pencil slots and two anti-puncture pencil caps made of USAF-spec. brass

Sizes:  34-44.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan

Possibly the most rare of all the U. S. Air Force nylon flying jackets, the Type L-2 Light Flight Jacket specification dates back to 1945, with production spanning the years 1947- 1949. The lightweight construction, comfortable non-bulky warmth and natural good looks made this style and instant success with aircrew at bases around the world.  It was intended for wear in climates between 42 degrees and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, thus ideally suited for spring, summer and fall. The L-2 Flight Jacket was superseded by the newer L-2A Flight Jacket specification (made in U.S. Air Force blue) in 1950.  Both the L-2 Flight Jacket and L-2A Flight Jacket saw action in history’s first jet-on-jet air battles of the Korean War, and although the final variant, the L-2B Flight Jacket, entered service well before the Viet Nam War, it was not uncommon to find an old veteran still wearing his L-2 Flying Jacket into the 1960s. Throughout its evolution, the L-2 Flight Jacket remained a favorite amongst airmen and anyone who could get their hands on one.

Buzz Rickson has reproduced the L-2 Flight Jacket in exacting detail. Buzz Rickson’s heavy nylon twill fabric is never to be confused with the cheap, flimsy flight satin used by lesser manufacturers to produce so-called vintage reproduction USAF flight jackets.  In fact, the only other flight jackets in the world today made from this nylon are those original vintage examples of the USAF!  This L-2 Flight Jacket is a Buzz Rickson’s Special Edition, correctly capturing all the nuances found on L-2 Flight Jackets once produced by the American Pad & Textile Company, making this product virtually indistinguishable from an original vintage example of the USAF.  Take note of these authentic features:

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

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave Olive Drab nylon outer shell to precisely match 1945 USAF specs. and treated to repel water

• Custom manufacturing of the correct 65% nylon 35% wool double-faced inner lining in Olive Drab to precisely match 1945 USAF specs

• Exact copy of the super-desirable, spring-loaded, late-1940s Crown zippers on sleeve pocket and jacket front, with zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton

• Correct USAF-spec. leather pull tabs on zippers

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

• Leather tab correctly sewn to left front chest for attaching oxygen mask retainer clip

•  Snap-down pocket flaps and shoulder straps crafted to match the style found on L-2 Flying Jackets made by American Pad & Textile Company

• USAF insignia transfer on left sleeve and under maker label in lining

• Zippered pocket on left sleeve outfitted with four pen/pencil slots and two anti-puncture pencil caps made of USAF-spec. brass

Sizes:  34-44.  The fit is generous.   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. Air Force Type L-2A Light Flying Jacket replaced the highly popular Type L-2 Light Flying Jacket in 1950.  Like the L-2, the L-2A Flying Jacket was favored for it’s lightweight construction, comfortable non-bulky warmth and natural good looks. The L-2A Flying Jacket was intended for wear in climates between 42 degrees and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, thus ideally suited for spring, summer and fall. The essential difference between the L-2 Flying Jacket and L-2A was color. 

By 1950, 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, especially the army; however, this very attractive, distinctive blue color lasted in production but for a short while.  The realities of combat in Korea proved that a downed aviator had a far better chance of survival and evading capture wearing clothing in a color that camouflaged the wearer, thus the blue flying clothing became nothing much more than a prestige symbol used in non-combat areas by the end of the Korean War.

Buzz Rickson has reproduced the L-2A Flying Jacket in exacting detail.  Buzz Rickson’s heavy nylon twill fabric is never to be confused with the cheap, flimsy flight satin used by lesser manufacturers to produce so-called vintage reproduction USAF flying jackets; in fact, the only other flying jackets in the world today made from this nylon are those original vintage examples of the USAF!  

This Buzz Rickson's L-2A Flying Jacket correctly captures all the nuances and features found on the vintage original L-2A's, making this product virtually indistinguishable from an original vintage example of the USAF.  Take note of these authentic features:

• Exact copy of the original maker’s label produced on a vintage shuttle loom that includes the contractor name, Superior Togs

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight, weave and color USAF Blue nylon outer shell to precisely match 1950 USAF specs. and treated to repel water

• Custom manufacturing of the correct 65% nylon 35% wool double-faced inner lining

• Exact copy of the super-desirable, spring-loaded late 1940’s Crown zippers on sleeve pocket and jacket front, with zip tape made of 100% cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton

• Correct USAF spec. leather pull tabs on zippers

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply 100% worsted wool-knit collar, cuffs and waist skirt in the USAF Blue

• Heavy parachute-harness nylon in USAF Blue correctly sewn to left front chest for attaching oxygen mask retainer clip

• Snap-down pocket flaps and shoulder straps crafted to match the style found on L-2A Flying Jackets

• USAF insignia transfer on left sleeve in full color, and under maker label in lining in off-white stencil form

• Zippered pocket on left sleeve outfitted with four pen/pencil slots and two anti-puncture pencil caps made of 1945-spec. USAF brass

Sizes 34-44.  This style is light weight and fits generously; thus, a size 44 should, in most instances, comfortably fit a 46" chest measure.

Crown is a registered trademark in the USA of History Preservation Associates

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan

Last One Left!!!

The USAF MA-1 Flying Jacket had a long service life and went through numerous changes to the original spec. 8279 before it was retired from service some 25 years after its introduction, but the 8279E spec. was the most outwardly different from the original 8279 spec. of 1957.  The most notable new feature of the 8279E spec. was the addition of pocket flaps to the two front pockets, a feature previously attributed mostly to the USAF L-2B Flying Jackets prior to 7448H spec.  Additionally, these later MA-1 designs were crafted from a darker, more green-grey shade of sage green, as opposed to the distinctly more silver-grey shade found on earlier MA-1 styles of the 1950's and early 1960's; Buzz Rickson brand has deftly recreated this darker sage green with a distinctly more green-grey cast.

The MA-1 was intended for wear in climates between 35 degrees and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, thus ideally suited for early spring, late fall, and winter.  The warmth-to-weight ratio, comfort, and overall good looks made this design extremely popular with all of those who could get their hands on one, and it was not uncommon for jackets to go "missing" and to be found on the backs of service personnel not authorized for issuance of the MA-1.

Buzz Rickson has reproduced the MA-1 Flying Jacket (Spec. 8279E) in exacting detail.  Buzz Rickson’s heavy-weight nylon twill fabric is never to be confused with the cheap, flimsy flight satin used by lesser manufacturers to produce so-called vintage reproduction USAF flight jackets.  In fact, the only other flight jackets in the world today made from this nylon are those vintage examples of the USAF!  Please take note of these authentic features:

• Exact copy of the printed contractor label in the left pocket

• Custom manufacturing of the correct 2/2 weave and weight USAF Sage Green nylon twill outer shell to precisely match USAF specs. and treated to repel water.

• Correct USAF-spec. inner lining of warm 58% wool and 42% cotton pile sandwiched between the outer and inner shell lining

• High-visibility orange lining; jacket is reversible from sage green to orange

• Exact copy of a two-way Coats & Clark main zipper with zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric in a contrasting tan shade

• Correct USAF-spec. leather pull tab on frontal-closure zipper

• Custom manufacturing of the correct two-ply 100% worsted-wool knit collar, cuffs and waist skirt in the USAF Sage Green

• Zippered pocket on left sleeve outfitted with four pen/pencil slots and two puncture-proof pencil caps made of USAF-spec. brass

• Two snap-down exterior pockets that pass through to two snap-down interior pockets lined with warm 80/20 wool-rayon fabric precisely matching USAF specs.

• Heavy wind flap protector located behind zipper closure

Sizes:  XS  – XXL.  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. Navy's Hook-Front Deck Jacket from 1943 remains a classic.  Just as with Buzz Rickson's Heavyweight, Non-Stenciled N-1 Deck Jackets, this style has been meticulously and precisely copied from vintage examples in every way, with the exception of not printing the "U. S. NAVY" text on the jacket's back.  All of these Buzz Rickson deck jackets utilize the same correct heavyweight, corded-cotton fabric found on the heavyweight N-1.  However, unlike the N-1, in this specific model the use of the fabric in so-called khaki is a fantasy since this style was only originally produced in dark blue, but the design team at Buzz Rickson's thought offering this color choice would be warmly received.  In every other way, this is a jacket style that is faithful to the original design and materials utilized.

Buzz Rickson’s philosophy is always to reproduce an item as authentically as humanly possible, which means utilizing the original machinery of the era and making the item so it doesn’t just look the part, but producing the item so it can actually function in the same way the original item was intended, thus Buzz Rickson’s is never engaged in making costumes; they are engaged in recreating rugged, functional history!  A cellulose plastic inner liner is sandwiched between the corded-cotton outer fabric and the blanket-wool lining to help keep cold winds from penetrating to the wearer's body, and heavy, military bar tacks are sewn at every key stress point specified and found on the original deck jackets, thus pocket corners and storm flap are constructed to function and endure in the same adverse, challenging conditions of combat that the jackets produced back in 1943 so did.

Please take note of all of these historically accurate features found on this Buzz Rickson’s masterpiece reproduction of the 1943 Hook-Front Deck Jacket: 

• Exact copy of original USN contract label design woven on vintage shuttle looms

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, heavyweight, corded-cotton outer shell to precisely match USN specs. but dyed in so-called khaki (one of the many permutations of Olive Drab #2)

• Cotton-thread construction

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, blanket-wool lining to precisely match 1940’s USN specs but dyed olive drab

• Two external “D-style” hand-warmer patch pockets lined with the correct cotton broadcloth

• Magnificent copy of the USN 1943-spec. hinging, hook-style metal clasps painted olive drab

• Waterproof, windproof celluloid plastic inner liner sandwiched between warm wool inside lining and hard-wearing corded shell exterior, exactly as per the original design

• Sewn bar tacks on all major stress points as per the original specs., including pocket corners and placket front

• Large wind flap protector located behind clasp closure to keep cold air gusts and water out

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, two-ply 100% worsted-wool knit cuffs, collar and waist band

• Eyelet vents in armpits

Sizes available: 36-44 Regular in even-numbered sizes.  The cut is generous, thus enabling us to comfortably fit chest measures up to 46" or even 48" with size 44. Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit. 

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan