Jacket, Flying, Type A-2, United States Army Air Forces, Gen. Charles E. Yeager
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In 1931, the United States Air Corps issued an order to update and modify the Type A-1 flight jacket. The significant design changes of the jacket included replacing the button down front with a zipper and the knit collar with a leather drop fall collar. The new jacket was designated -- Type A-2. This jacket became associated with American pilots serving on every front during World War II and is still issued by the U.S. Air Force today. Many pilots and aircrews modified their jackets with custom artwork that depicted the name of their aircraft. These jackets are nick named "Painted Ladies" for the common practice of using the pinup girls for the aircraft's name and nose art.
On October 14, 1947, flying the Bell XS-1 #1, Capt. Charles "Chuck" Yeager, USAF, became the first pilot to fly faster than sound. The XS-1, later designated X-l, reached Mach 1.06, 700 mph, at an altitude of 43,000 feet, over the Mojave Desert near Muroc Dry Lake, California. The flight demonstrated that aircraft could be designed to fly faster than sound, and the concept of a ‘sound barrier" crumbled into myth. This Type A-2 Flight Jacket was worn by Yeager on this record breaking flight.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Flight Clothing
Physical Description
United States Army Air Forces Type A-2 Flying Jacket; waist length seal brown horsehide jacket with brown knit wool cuffs and waist band; brass zipper down front; two front flap pockets with hidden snaps; stand and fall collar with snaps; brown rayon lining; shoulder straps; dark brown sewn in manufacturer's tag with embroidered gold text on inside collar (see inscriptions for full text).
Dimensions
Clothing: 69.9 x 81.3 x 7.6cm (27 1/2 x 32 x 3 in.)
Clothing Size: 40 Materials
Leather, brass, natural fabric, wool Inventory Number
A19870293000
Credit Line
Donated by Gen. and Mrs. Charles E. Yeager
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.