1977 USAF Flyer's CWU-36/P Jacket - L

Rare early model CWU-36/P pilot jacket featuring a pleated back panel. This detail was quickly eliminated from later versions after it resulted in the death of a pilot. Earlier jackets with the pleated panel were generally discarded, or pilots had them modified by riggers to prevent similar incidents. This example, however, retains the original pleats intact, maintaining its original condition.

In 1972, the U.S. Air Force discovered that nylon, used in flight jackets, was highly flammable and worsened burns in fires. To address this, they introduced the MA-2 jacket, known as the CWU, made of Nomex, a flame-retardant material that protected pilots from fire and chemicals.

The CWU-36/P, a lightweight version of the jacket, retained the utility design but with new features such as larger cargo pockets and a rounded collar, separating it from previous models. Despite the knitted cuffs and waist, the jacket marked a fundamental change in flight equipment, improving safety and practicality.

With the introduction of Nomex, the CWU-36/P solved the problem of flammable nylon, setting a new standard for safety and functionality in flight jackets.

Condition: excellent.

Measures:

Recommended size: L - Large.

Length: 66cm

Sleeve length: 66cm

Width (pit to pit): 64cm

Shoulders: 52cm