For Sale: Aero Leather USAAF Type B-6: Contract No. 42-18283-P Size 42 ($535.00 w/shipping to U.S)

[hard8947]

Aero Leather USAAF Type B-6: Contract No. 42-18283-P Pit to Pit 21 inches Shoulder 19 inches Back 26 inches Sleeves 24 inches Although the introduction of a heavy sheepskin flying jacket, the Type B-3, was very popular with flight crews, at anything but the highest altitudes the B-3 proved too bulky and cumbersome even in the relatively roomy heavy bombers, and impossible to wear in the cramped confines of a fighter cockpit. The AAF's answer to this dilemma was to introduce the Type B-6, a lighter weight sheepskin, in 1939, very much along the lines of the D-1, but with a bi-swing back, adjustable cuffs and epaulets. This stylish Flight Jacket has other unusual features- the side adjustment features a unique zip closure waist adjustment method, drawing the bottom of the jacket in at the waist. The cuffs fasten by stud, and the B-6 is the only AAF Shearling Jacket with epaulettes. B-6's had the lowest survival rate of all the AAF WWII sheepskin jackets.