GearGuide Entry: Schott Flight Jackets: November 7, 2012

Description

November 7, 2012

Schott Flight Jackets

The history of leather flight jackets begins from the day planes first took to the sky. Through the beginning of flight through World War I, pilots rode in open cockpits and wore whatever they could find to keep them warm: soft, heavy leather was their natural choice. When the U.S. Army began issuing leather flight jackets in 1917, an American classic was born.

Our military flight jackets are made by Schott, one of the original manufacturers of these gorgeous items. They were commissioned by the U.S. Army Air Corps at the beginning of World War II to produce the Type A2 bomber jacket. This beautiful jacket was developed in 1931, and the U.S. Navy’s M-445 (later called the G1 flight jacket) came soon after. The distinctive B3 sheepskin jacket was borrowed from a 1926 design used by the Royal Air Force and became the jacket of choice even for non-aviators like Gen. Patton. Thousands of men depended on these jackets to keep them warm as they patrolled the skies, delivered cargo, and flew dangerous sorties at high altitude and temperatures as low as negative 50 degrees Celsius. They are still issued to U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine pilots today.

The A2 naked cowhide leather flight jacket is the American original. It has a bi-swing back for easier shoulder movement and convenient two-way front pockets. It also has a snap-off full pile collar and zip-out pile liner so you can wear it four different ways to customize for current weather conditions. With polytwill lining you’ll stay warm even without the additional liner, and the knit waistband and cuffs will keep places where cold air could come in closed tight. This great jacket is Union made in the U.S.A.

The A2SM is the same A2 style jacket made from antique lambskin and lined with an escape map. The map of Europe was sewn in by World War II pilots so they could navigate to safety should their planes be shot down behind enemy lines. In addition to this authentic touch that brings the history of this jacket to life, it has polytwill lining for warmth and dual-entry side and patch pockets.

The military style antique lambskin flight jacket has features similar to the A2. It has polytwill lining for constant warmth and a removable Mouton fur collar and zip-out pile liner to give you four different ways to wear it. Additionally, it has action shoulders for freedom of movement and convenient two-way front pockets. The antique lambskin flight jacket is Union made in the U.S.A.

Schott’s G1 leather flight jacket is made from supple antique lambskin and comes with a detachable sheepskin collar. It has two-way front pockets and a beautiful lining that describes the “Wings of Gold” flight training program for Navy pilots.

The G1 Top Gun leather bomber jacket takes the original G1 and showcases the individual touch many pilots gave to their jackets. The men who wore these beautiful flight jackets often customized them with patches and paintings; Schott’s G1 Top Gun jacket emulates this trend with authentic replicas of World War II art. The G1 Top Gun also has a detachable fur collar and a lining detailing the “Wings of Gold” training program for Navy pilots.

The Classic B-3 Sheepskin bomber jacket is a World War II icon. It features tanned sheepskin and natural sheep fur for softness and warmth. It also has leather welted seams and buckled collar and waist straps. This jacket is Union made in the U.S.A.

Schott military classic flight jackets are enduring pieces of Americana, as historic and beautiful as they are functional. Leather flight jackets are durable enough to last for decades and just look better with age, and since they have already been in style for a hundred years, you know their classic look is here to stay. Celebrate American military aviation with a Schott flight jacket and wear a piece of history.