One will recognise, by virtue of its title alone, that the D-1 is actually not a flying jacket, or at least it was not intended to be.

Designated 'Type D-1 Mechanics Shearling Jacket', it would seem a rather lavish material to be making a mechanics jacket out of. But the D-1, like all clothing and equipment issued to US servicemen, was typical of the motto 'only the best will do'. In any case, sheepskin at that time was in relatively plentiful supply and there was no other material with a better insulative value.

Being a ground crewman was often a bitterly cold experience. Working on aircraft on a windswept airfield in the middle of winter certainly required a warm jacket.

The D-1 however, seemed to find its way quite often into aircrew hands. Maybe this was because there were no B-6s available on that particular base, or just that the airman preferred the D-1 design, with its zippered pockets. The D-1, like the B-6, is made from 1/4 inch shearling fleece and was ideal for those conditions which called for an intermediate garment.

The D-1 is very similar to the B-6, in terms of wearability and warmth.

It is an unfussy, simple design, made from 1/4 inch fleece depth sheepskin.

As with all our U.S.A.A.F. shearling jackets, it is made from premium North American sheepskin stock.

The sheepskin outer is the correct bitter chocolate shade and the leather trimming is Seal Brown Horsehide.

Available in sizes: XS - XL.