Cockpit USA A-2 Flight Jacket: The Definitive Buyer's Guide

The A-2 flight jacket is arguably the most influential piece of American military clothing ever produced. Issued to Army Air Forces officers beginning in 1931, it became the defining jacket of WWII aerial combat, worn by Doolittle's Raiders, Tuskegee Airmen, Flying Tigers, and thousands of bomber pilots over Europe and the Pacific. Today, Cockpit USA holds the contract to produce the A-2 for the United States Air Force — making them the most legitimate source on the planet for an authentic reproduction.

A Brief History of the A-2 Flight Jacket

The Type A-2 was introduced in 1931 as the standard issue leather jacket for Army Air Corps officers. It replaced the earlier A-1 and established design elements that remain unchanged today: a fitted leather body, shirt-style collar, knit cuffs and waistband, front zipper, and two lower pockets. The jacket was discontinued in 1943 — partly due to leather rationing — and replaced by the B-15 nylon jacket. This discontinuation made surviving WWII A-2s extremely valuable and created enormous demand for high-quality reproductions.

Why Cockpit USA Is the Standard for A-2 Jackets

Cockpit USA holds the U.S. Air Force contract for the A-2 flight jacket. That is not a marketing claim — it is a contractual reality that requires them to meet precise military specifications for leather grade, construction technique, hardware, and durability. When the USAF needs A-2 jackets, they call Cockpit USA. This gives buyers a level of confidence that no other manufacturer can match: you are buying from the people who build the actual military-issue garment.

A-2 Leather Options: Goatskin, Horsehide, and Lambskin

Cockpit USA produces A-2 jackets in several leather types, each with distinct characteristics. Goatskin is the current USAF specification leather — tight-grained, very durable, and with a smooth, slightly matte finish. Horsehide is the leather used in original WWII A-2 jackets and is legendary for its toughness and beautiful natural grain. It is stiffer when new but develops an exceptional patina with age. Antique lambskin offers a pre-aged, softer appearance for buyers who want the worn-in look from day one.

Cockpit USA A-2 Models at Legendary USA

The USAF 21st Century A-2 uses goatskin leather and follows the current Air Force specification — the most faithful modern reproduction of what active-duty USAF pilots wear today. Shop it at legendaryusa.com/products/cockpit-usa-mens-usaf-goatskin-a-2-flight-jacket. The Flying Tigers A-2 uses horsehide leather, inspired by the American Volunteer Group that flew in China under Claire Chennault — find it at legendaryusa.com/products/cockpit-usa-mens-flying-tigers-horsehide-a-2-flight-jacket. Browse all Cockpit USA styles at legendaryusa.com/collections/cockpit-usa.

A-2 Fit and Sizing

The A-2 runs fairly true to size. Unlike the B-3, it is not designed for heavy layering — the original was worn over a shirt and possibly a light sweater. If you're broad in the shoulder or carry weight in the upper back, consider sizing up one. The knit cuffs and waistband will be snug for the first few weeks of wear; they relax naturally with use. Break-in time for goatskin is minimal. Horsehide takes longer but rewards patience with exceptional patina.

A-2 vs B-3: Which Is Right for You?

The A-2 and B-3 are both WWII-era flight jackets but serve completely different conditions. The A-2 is a smooth leather jacket appropriate for temperate weather — fall through early spring in most climates. The B-3 is a sheepskin behemoth built for extreme cold. If you need one jacket for all seasons, the A-2 is more versatile. If you need the warmest jacket possible, choose the B-3. Many serious collectors own both.

Caring for a Cockpit USA A-2

Clean the jacket with a damp cloth and allow it to dry naturally. Condition the leather two to three times per year with a quality leather conditioner — this keeps the hide supple and helps develop the patina. Store it on a padded hanger, never folded. If the jacket gets soaked, dry it slowly away from direct heat. The knit cuffs and waistband can be hand-washed if needed.

Nose Art and Personalization

The A-2 is the traditional canvas for squadron nose art and personal insignia. Many WWII pilots had their jackets painted with aircraft names, pinup art, and mission tallies. Today, professional leather painters continue this tradition. Purchase your A-2 from Legendary USA first, then find a qualified leather painter to add custom artwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cockpit USA the official USAF supplier of A-2 jackets? Yes. Cockpit USA holds the U.S. Air Force contract for A-2 flight jacket production and is the official military supplier.

What leather is used in the current USAF A-2 specification? The current USAF specification calls for goatskin leather, which Cockpit USA uses in their 21st Century A-2 model.

What is the difference between an A-2 and a G-1? The A-2 was Army Air Forces issue; the G-1 is the Navy's equivalent. Both are leather flight jackets but with different collar designs — the G-1 has a fur-trimmed collar while the A-2 has a shirt-style leather collar.

How long does it take for an A-2 to break in? Goatskin breaks in relatively quickly — a few weeks of regular wear softens it noticeably. Horsehide takes longer, sometimes months, but develops a superior patina over time.

Where is the best place to buy a Cockpit USA A-2? Legendary USA at legendaryusa.com/collections/cockpit-usa is an authorized Cockpit USA dealer carrying the full lineup.