JACKET - Flying Type B-6 Eastman®

Description

Standardised on June 12th 1939, the B-6 shearling flying jacket was a lighter weight alternative to the B-3, and categorised in the ‘Intermediate Zone’ for flight clothing.

Made from 1/4 inch sheep shearling it was intended to fill the intermediate gap between the lightweight A-2, which was often not warm enough, and the heavier weight B-3.

It was especially popular among fighter pilots of the pre and early war period; earlier fighter aircraft were without heating, (the P-38 was particularly cold), so an insulated jacket of some description was necessary. Being less bulky than the B-3 it better suited the cramped environment of the fighter cockpit.

Unlike all other sheepskin flight jackets the B-6 is uniquely cut in that it is slightly longer in the torso, and with a flared lower section; normally a flight jacket will not go past the bend in the body so as to avoid bunching when sitting down. Hence it could be worn without the companion A-5 sheepskin trousers but still give adequate cover to lower back and haunches. To each side (at the hip) a zip was placed so the flare could be drawn in when standing, and relaxed when sitting down.

Together with the bi-swing back and two front slash pockets the B-6 exhibits good functional thoughtful design.

As with all our U.S.A.A.F. shearling jackets, the B-6 is made from premium quality North American sheepskin which is tanned and finished to the correct U.S.A.A.F. spec, and with our latest ‘broken-grain’ finish.

Next to finding a ‘new-old-stock’ original, you wont get any closer than this to the real thing.

Available in sizes: 36 - 48.