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

This style slightly modifies some features of the original USAF L-2B Flight Jacket from 1957, though the original standards of quality and material types have been strictly adhered to by Buzz Rickson’s, of course, and you have William Gibson’s personal approval of each item in the collection. Modifications are few, which are as follows: outer shell produced in black nylon twill vs. the original sage green color, interior lining produced in USAF 1950 blue vs. the silvery sage green of 1957, and removal of the flap tab with snap fastener at the bottom of the frontal zipper closure. All other features remain true to the original 1957 L-2B Flight Jackets, including the sleek fit.   The L-2B was intended for wear in climates between 42 degrees F and 65 degrees F, thus ideally suited for spring, summer and fall, and it repels water, too, though it’s not a raincoat and it’s not waterproof.

Other than the noted feature changes, this L-2B Flight Jacket is replete with all of the authenticity William Gibson so eloquently wrote about in “Pattern Recognition” and that Buzz Rickson is renowned for around the globe. William Gibson items, especially this jacket, are available in limited quantities; though no one sells more than we do, they still tend to sell out more quickly than any other Buzz Rickson item, especially in the larger sizes.  Please note the following features found on this Buzz Rickson William Gibson masterpiece:

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

• Custom manufacturing of the correct 2/2 weave and weight Black nylon outer shell using vintage looms and precisely matching 1957 USAF specs. and treated to repel water

• Custom manufacturing of the correct 65% nylon 35% wool double-faced inner lining in 1950 USAF Blue

• Heavy, parachute harness nylon in black, 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-2B Flight Jackets

• Exact copy of the super-desirable, spring-loaded 1950s Crown zippers on sleeve pocket and jacket front, with zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton

• Leather pull tab on zipper designed for easy functioning with gloves

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

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

• Assembly using vintage sewing machines

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

Even sizes 36-44 Regular.  The fit is generous.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson goods are imported from Japan

The story behind the black MA-1 Flight Jacket and its connection to author William Gibson can be read about on this website within the thumbnail photo link entitled "About William Gibson."

This Modified Tailored Cut is offered for those who prefer something slimmer and less bulky than the original MA-1 Flight Jacket design, whereby the armhole has been raised higher, the sleeves further tapered, and the body slimmed down vs. the full cut of the original MA-1 Flight Jacket design.   We also offer this Tailored MA-1 Flight Jacket in both a regular length that follows the waist-length design of the original MA-1 Flight Jacket, and in a longer-bodied configuration to satisfy those who prefer a fit that goes a few inches beyond the waist.  Other than the tailored fit, this MA-1 Flight Jacket is replete with all of the authenticity William Gibson so eloquently wrote about and that Buzz Rickson is renowned for around the globe.

William Gibson items, especially the MA-1 Flight Jackets, are available in limited quantities and they tend to sell out more quickly than any other Buzz Rickson item, especially in the larger sizes.  Please note the following features and details found on this Buzz Rickson William Gibson masterpiece:

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

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave Black nylon outer and inner lining shell using vintage looms  and precisely matching 1957 USAF specs. and treated to repel water

• Modified tailored fit with higher armholes, tailored body and tapered sleeves

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

•Two snap-down exterior pockets lined with warm 80/20 wool-rayon fabric precisely matching 1957 USAF specs.

•Two snap-down interior pockets lined with heavy 100% cotton-twill fabric precisely matching 1957 USAF specs.

• Exact copy of the heavy-duty 1953 Crown zippers on sleeve pocket and jacket front, with zip tape made of 100% cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton

• Leather pull tab designed for easy functioning with gloves

• Heavy wind flap protector located behind zipper closure

• Correct, USAF-spec. leather pull tab on sleeve pocket

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

• Heavy, parachute-harness nylon in black 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 1957 MA-1s

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

• Assembly using vintage sewing machines

Even sizes 34-44 Regular or 34 - 44 Long Body.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson goods are imported from Japan

The USAF L-2B Flying Jacket had a long service life and went through numerous changes to the original spec. 7448, and the spec. most associated with the Vietnam War was 7448H.  Some of the most notable features of the 7448H spec. include the orange lining, two-way zipper for reverse wearing with orange side out, USAF spec. contractor label on printed cloth and located in the left pocket, and deletion of the following:  snap-down epaulets, snap-down tab covering zipper bottom, nylon tab on chest for attaching the oxygen mask clip, and pocket flaps.  The heavier 2/2 twill and wool-and-rayon blend lining were both retained from previous spec.

The L-2B was intended for wear in climates between 42 degrees and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, thus ideally suited for spring, summer and fall.  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 or wearing of the L-2B.

Buzz Rickson has reproduced the L-2B Flight Jacket (Spec. 7448H) 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

• Custom manufacturing of the correct 64% rayon 36% wool double-faced inner lining in high-visibility orange; jacket is reversible from sage green to orange

• Exact copy of a two-way Conmar main zipper in black-oxide finish, with zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric in a contrasting tan shade

• 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 Sage Green

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

Sizes:  XS  – XXL.  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