Original 1969 Dated US Military MA-1 Reversible Flying Jacket - Size Medium

An original United States Air Force MA-1 Flying Jacket made as part of either contract DSA 100-69-C-0113 (Alpha Industries Inc.) dated 19th July 1968, or DSA 100-69-C-2767 (Sportsmasters Inc.) dated 18th June 1969. Both were produced under specification MIL-J-8279D which was the final issue pattern of the MA-1 used during the Vietnam War period.

The jacket is made from a sage green nylon shell with a bright orange rescue lining as per the later D-specification design. The 'safety orange' coloured interior was to be worn facing out if a pilot was shot down and in need of rescue, the bright colour being much more easily visible from the air than the sage green on the reverse side of the jacket.  

The jacket features a heavy-duty 'Scovill' branded zipper with leather pull tab and a utility pocket is fitted to the left sleeve fitted and has pen holders. It also has a zipped pocket which again fastens with a 'Scovill' branded zipper. Flapped pockets are located to the front and fasten with metal press studs whilst the orange side features two slash pockets which also fasten with press studs.. The knitted collar, cuffs and waistband are made from the correct wool and nylon blend.

The original label is present inside one of the pockets. It is worn but some of the key details are still visible including the title of 'Jacket, Flyer's Man Intermediate, MA-1'. Part of the DSA number is present and bears the 1969 date code which confirms that jacket as being made in either 1968 or 1969 as there were only two contracts to carry the number 69. Both Alpha Industries and Sportsmasters were long-standing U.S. Air Force contractors and examples from these 1968–69 contracts are considered among the last of the true issue MA-1 jackets before production moved to later, commercialised variants.

The size of 'Medium' is marked on the label and it will suit between a 42" and 46" chest depending on desired fit. When laid flat it measures -

Chest - 26"
Waist - 18"
Inside arm - 20 1/2"
Outside arm - 25"
Shoulders - 19 1/2"
Length - 23 1/2"

The overall condition is very good with only limited signs of wear and use. There is some light marking etc but nothing serious and it displays very well. The knitted cuffs are in excellent condition with just one very small hole noted and all the zips and fasteners work correctly. There is a mark to one of the sleeves which may come out with cleaning. On the whole it is a very good example which is totally wearable but please study the images carefully and bear in mind that this is a genuine vintage, pre-worn item with some small flaws commensurate with age.

A very good example of a genuine late 1960s MA-1 Flying Jacket which would make an excellent addition to any collection.

This is a vintage item which is 'sold as seen'