History Of The  A-2 Bomber Jacket

The US Army Air Forces approved a leather flying jacket with the military specification number 94-3040 as standard issue on May 9, 1931. It was an American flying jacket known as the Type A-2 that was made for pilots, navigators, and bombardiers. Today, there are several variations of the modern bomber jacket. A single piece of leather that can withstand tension was used to make the back. And beneath the rear collar, a thin cotton lining with a leather hang strap and tag attached with the military specification may be found. 

A Marker Of Success

After completing basic flying school, US Army Air Force officers were given the A-2, which came to represent achievement and was worn with pride. The bomber jacket also served a practical purpose, keeping aviators (relatively) warm and fashionable while they were in action.

Throughout World War II, the A-2 became a national emblem for American pilots, and the entire aircrew proudly wore their bomber jackets. The US Army Air Force's troops did not like General H. H. "Hap" Arnold's decision to stop ordering leather jackets in favour of the more modern B-10 and B-15 cloth-shell jackets in 1943. Despite this, there was still a surplus of A-2 bomber jackets available for orders well into 1944. In fact, such was the jacket's popularity that bomber crews could be seen donning their A-2s from the prior decade all the way up until the Korean War in the early 1950s.

Modern Times

Modern movie stars like Steve McQueen as Hilts 'The Cooler King' in the 1963 film The Great Escape and Frank Sinatra as Colonel Joseph Ryan in the 1965 film Von Ryan's Express added to the jacket's cachet by dressing in it. John F. Kennedy, George W. Bush, and BarackObama are just a few of the US Presidents that have jumped on board.