WWII US Army Air Corps B-15 Pilot Flight Jacket -
The flight jacket, or bomber jacket is a garment originally created for pilots, which eventually became part of popular
culture and apparel. In the First World War most airplanes did not have an enclosed cockpit, which necessitated a garment
that could keep pilots sufficiently warm. While serving in France and Belgium, the Royal Flying Corps pilots had already
begun wearing long leather coats in 1915, and the trend caught on. The US Army established the Aviation Clothing Board in
September 1917 and began distributing heavy-duty leather flight jackets; with high wraparound collars, zipper closures with
wind flaps, snug cuffs and waists, and some fringed and lined with fur. Thus, the American flight jacket was born.
The jacket shown here is a WWII Army Air Force B-15 flight flight jacket. It was employed by pilots and crew of various
types of aircraft - to include fighters and bombers.
Of cotton construction. With two slanted pockets. Fur collar and a zipper closure. Heavily lined. This
jacket was used by pilots and crewmen alike.
The heavy insulation would protect personnel from the cold weather during bombing raids.
NOTE:
All the pictures displayed here are the same jacket. The differences in color can be attributed to
the fact that some pictures were taken under direct sun light while others were shot in the shade.
Like many other pilot's jackets of the era, a pocket can be found on the inside of the jacket. This
pocket can be secured shut by a snap. The collar came with an additional strap used
to secure the neck area shut. Providing further protection against inclement
weather.
The patch displayed below was found inside one of the pockets in the jacket. This
is the "Air Technical Service Command in Europe". The group was established in
August of 1944 with headquarters near Paris. With a total of 35,000 personnel
the group was tasked with maintaining the aircrafts for the 1st, 8th and 9th
divisions.
A special holder for a pen, pencil or similar item was built to the side of one of the
sleeves. This feature was carried over to flight jackets for years to come.
The tag located on the upper section of the jacket, near the collar, contains miscellaneous
information about the jacket. The words "US ARMY AIR FORCE" can be seen towards the bottom
of the tag.
A close up view of the zipper head is also provided. The words "CROWN USA" indicate the manufacturer's
name.
Jacket, Intermediate, Flying
Type B-15
Specification No. 1784FS
Stock No. 643-19920
Order No. 55-1429
Army Air Forces type
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This page is a recognition and identification guide for US AAF collectibles. Multiple
detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out clearly defined
points that should be noted.
One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my set of AAF item worth?".
A price guide is included here to address this question. The value of the AAF collectibles
is reviewed over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth
of US militaria in the collector's market is illustrated.
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This US AAF gear and uniforms may be currently
reproduced.
It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because
the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with
the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this item.
Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of
the collectible.
If you have an interest is seeing other US AAF items, you can do so by going to our
US AAF Collectibles Price Guide.
Where we cover gear, uniform, insignia, etc. employed by the US Army Air Force.
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