The story of the MA-1 bomber jacket
Its formal name: ‘Jacket, Flyers, Man’s Intermediate J-8279’ or a men’s jacket flying designed for medium cold weather conditions.
The Alpha Industries has been manufacturing this outfit since the 50s. The need for a new pilot jacket emerged in the 40s, with the initiation of jet planes since unseen expectations were formed towards the safety and comfort of pilots. Such air crews had worn cotton padded leather jackets in the era of propeller crafts. However in high altitudes and in cold, the vapor coming from the air, rain or exhalation froze on the leather jackets. Moreover, modern jet planes got a more streamlined and slim shape thus making the cockpit narrower. The fast and obstacle-free entrance and exit to and from the cockpit became a critical safety factor. A need for a tight-fitting, lightweight and warm outfit appeared. Nylon was chosen as the outer material of the jacket.
In the course of its long history, the MA-1 jacket had gone through various modifications while it preserved its high functionality. The MA-1 was made originally with a quality nylon outer cape, with nylon padding. Between the two nylon shells a double layer of wool secured the insulation. A few years later, wool was changed to a polyester padding and the jacket got lighter and warmer. Other modifications were also made later on. The oxygen mask and the helmet radio wire clip were both removed from the chest part.
Every Alpha MA-1 bomber jackets own the following characteristics:
- consists of 57 sewing lines which all serve a unique purpose; the spare pocket and cigarette pocket is made out of 8 sewing lines.
- the embroidered Alpha logo and identification label can be found inside the left pocket so that it can’t be seen when turning outside the jacket.
The MA-1 jackets manufactured by Alpha and those available in commerce only differ in a few details from the ones produced according to military specifications which do not alter their appearance but rather help everyday use.
Such differences are the following:
- The outer shell is made with a water-repellent coating which makes the jacket more comfortable in strong winds.
- The knitted cuff and waist part is made of acryl instead of wool thus making these elements more aesthetic in the long run.
The padding is not quilted but made out of a single piece.
