B-3 144
Black Sheepskin
The B-3’s history starts back during WWI with the creation of flight jackets for the U.S. Army Air Corp. With the bitter cold from the open cockpits of the fighter planes of the era many jacket designs were introduced to keep the pilots comfortable. Its rugged design and ability to withstand harsh environments make it a sought-after jacket for all the military branches’ personnel when they were stationed in extremely cold areas. General George Patton wore one during the extreme cold he experienced during his 3rd armor advance across Europe.
The A-1, A-2 and G-1 all worked well with their light liners in the tight confines of the fighter planes of the period, but when worn in a bomber that flew above 20,000 feet with outside temperatures down to -50°F a warmer jacket was needed. Introduced in the mid-1930s the B-3 designed specifically for the high-altitude bombers personnel’s needs. A bulky jacket designed of sheepskin and lined with heavy-duty sheep fur helped protect the bomber crews who operated in unpressurized cabins, enduring freezing temperatures at altitudes of up to 25,000 feet.
Over time, the B-3 has transitioned from an icon of Military Aviation to a civilian icon, admired for its rugged style and timeless appeal.
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