Flying at high altitudes and in cold weather, called for a special item of clothing to keep American airmen warm. To meet this need the Army Air Corps designed the B-3 flying jacket.

Standardised as the Type B-3 on May 8th 1934, its design was principally inspired by the British 'Irvin' flying jacket, which had recently been put into service with the RAF.

Finished with a Polyacrylate lacquer and trimmed with leather hide, the B-3 like most U.S. military clothing had a very stylish cut.

Its hip length 'boxy' design made it popular not only with the aircrews of WWII, but also the trendy civilian, after the war - the intrepid flyer look was as desirable then as it is now.

Although officially superseded in 1944 by the ANJ-4, the B-3 continued to be a favourite amongst aircrews until the end of the war.

Original examples are highly sought after collector items now. More than 60 years from its conception the B-3 is still in high demand - without doubt a classic design flying jacket.

There is a choice of 2 shades of horsehide for the facings on the Eastman B-3: Seal or Russet. (The one pictured here is Seal. The Russet version is also on this site).

The sheepskin material itself is of North American origin. As there are many breeds of sheep throughout the world, each having their own wool characteristic, it is essential that we use a fleece derived from the same breed that was used originally, so as to ensure complete authenticity.

Chrome tanned, this beautiful material is the perfect natural insulator. The soft sheepskin encases your body, ensuring maximum body warmth retention. The wool colour is of the correct off-white cream shade, and the leather outer is lacquered with a Seal brown polyacrylate pigment (U.S.A.A.F. spec).

Available in sizes: 34 - 48.