Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

This is an example of a M1929 Italian army tropical service tunic that was also known as a Sahariana. The design was also issued to the Regia Aeronautica during World War II.

This particular tunic was worn by 2nd Lt. Felice Figus of the 53rd Stormo. He received his first pilot's license at Elmas airport in Sardinia (currently the largest airport in Sardinia). Lt. Figus was a front line fighter pilot and saw extensive service in the North African campaign, the fight for Malta, spent 6 months on the Eastern front, flew during the Sicily campaign, and in Caselle Torinese (Turin Region) in 1943. Following his service during World War II, he continued his flying career becoming an airline captain from 1947 to 1952 working for Linee Aeree Italiane (LAI). LAI was a joint venture between TWA and the newly formed Italian government in 1947. In 1952 Figus joined Alitalia and became the chief pilot with the Italian flag carrier. During his flying career, Capt. Figus amassed over 28,000 flying hours.

 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 Italy Type PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Uniforms: Military Manufacturer Unione Militare, Italy
 Physical Description Regia Aeronautica desert tan cotton jacket; waist length with four tan buttons down front; button strap closures at wrists; two upper patch pocket with box pleat and button flap closure; two lower patch pockets with button flap closure; gray wool 2nd Flight Lieutenant epaulet rank insignia with gold wire crown, bar, and five point star; gold officer's five point stars on collar tabs. Dimensions Clothing: 75.9 x 97.8 x 3.8cm (29 7/8 x 38 1/2 x 1 1/2 in.)
 Materials Linen
Plastic
Brass
Wool
Gold Bullion
 Inventory Number A20110379000 Credit Line Gift of the Figus Family, in memory of Capt. Felice Figus Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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