Cockpit USA Flying Tigers A-2: Review and Buying Guide

Few units in American military history carry the mystique of the Flying Tigers. The American Volunteer Group, led by Claire Chennault, flew P-40 Warhawks with iconic shark-mouth nose art against Japanese forces in China before the United States formally entered the war. Their A-2 flight jackets became part of their identity, worn in extreme conditions far from any supply chain. The Cockpit USA Flying Tigers A-2 is a horsehide leather tribute to that extraordinary unit.

The Flying Tigers: Who Were They?

The American Volunteer Group operated in China from 1941 to 1942, flying for the Chinese Air Force against Japanese forces. They were American military pilots who had resigned their commissions to serve at the request of President Roosevelt and General Chennault. Their combat record was extraordinary — they claimed over 296 Japanese aircraft destroyed while losing fewer than 10 pilots in aerial combat. Their leather flight jackets became iconic images of American fighting spirit.

Why Horsehide for the Flying Tigers A-2?

Original WWII-era A-2 flight jackets were made from horsehide leather — chosen for its exceptional durability, tight grain structure, and resistance to abrasion. Horsehide is harder than cowhide, stiffer when new, and develops a superior patina over time. It ages differently than goatskin or cowhide — the grain remains tight, the creases deepen into character lines, and the jacket becomes more beautiful with every year of wear. Cockpit USA's use of horsehide on the Flying Tigers A-2 is historically correct and materially superior for collectors.

Construction Details

The Flying Tigers A-2 follows the standard A-2 specification: fitted horsehide body, shirt-style leather collar, knit cuffs and waistband, front zipper, and two lower hand pockets. Cockpit USA's construction quality reflects the same standards they apply to their USAF contract jackets. The hardware is quality-grade, the stitching is tight and consistent, and the horsehide panels are selected for uniform grain character.

Break-In Period

Horsehide requires more break-in time than goatskin. When new, the jacket will feel noticeably stiff — this is normal and correct. Wear the jacket consistently over the first few months and it will begin to soften and conform to your body. The creases that develop will be yours. A well-worn horsehide A-2 is one of the most personal garments a person can own.

Flying Tigers A-2 vs USAF 21st Century A-2

Both are excellent A-2 reproductions from Cockpit USA. The USAF 21st Century A-2 uses goatskin — softer from the start, breaks in quickly. The Flying Tigers A-2 uses horsehide — the original WWII material, stiffer initially, with a richer long-term patina. If you want immediate comfort, choose goatskin. If you want the most historically correct material and are willing to invest the break-in time, choose the horsehide Flying Tigers.

Who Should Buy It?

This jacket is for WWII aviation history enthusiasts who connect with the Flying Tigers story. It is for leather jacket purists who understand and appreciate horsehide properties. It is for collectors who want the most historically accurate A-2 leather type available. And it is for anyone willing to invest time in a jacket that will reward them with decades of increasingly beautiful wear.

Where to Buy

The Cockpit USA Flying Tigers Horsehide A-2 is available at Legendary USA at legendaryusa.com/products/cockpit-usa-mens-flying-tigers-horsehide-a-2-flight-jacket. Compare with the USAF goatskin A-2 at legendaryusa.com/products/cockpit-usa-mens-usaf-goatskin-a-2-flight-jacket. Browse the full Cockpit USA collection at legendaryusa.com/collections/cockpit-usa.

Frequently Asked Questions

What leather is used in the Flying Tigers A-2? Cockpit USA uses horsehide leather — the same leather type used in original WWII A-2 jackets.

Is horsehide better than goatskin for an A-2? Neither is objectively better — they have different properties. Horsehide develops a superior patina long-term; goatskin is softer from the start.

How long does horsehide take to break in? Expect three to six months of regular wear before the jacket feels truly comfortable. Full patina development takes years but is worth the investment.

Is Legendary USA an authorized dealer? Yes. Legendary USA is a fully authorized Cockpit USA dealer for all models including the Flying Tigers A-2.