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B-1 and B-2 suits: one for winter, one for fall

zoomer

Well-Known Member
The Type B-1 winter flight jacket and A-1 trouser, of horsehide lined with shearling, were designed in 1931 by Leslie Irvin, who re-used the basic pattern for the famous RAF suit bearing his name. Switlik Parachute was the sole contractor.

Almost identical in construction were Types B-2 and A-2, the same designs but lined with either moquette (a silk pile) or wool blanket cloth. Both Switlik and Werber Leather Coat built these garments.

The article below is from the Air Corps News Letter, April 8, 1932, when the suits were starting to reach units. It mentions that the moquette-lined suits were being used at the same time as the shearling, and intended for fall and spring flying! Indeed the same drawing numbers, 31-2412 (jacket) and 31-2411 (trousers), apply to both types.

In any case, the AAC standardized on B-2/A-2 only, lined in a heavy wool blanketing, no doubt to save on cost. Supposedly these were not as warm as the B-1/A-1, which had tested down to -40°C (-40°F). This must have suggested the return to shearling in the B-3/A-3, adopted in 1935.

flightsuit_acnl_040832.png
 
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Roughwear

Well-Known Member
Thank for posting this Paul. The B1/A1 jackets and trousers were designed at around the same time as Leslie Irvin designed his Irvin suits in the UK. The first Irvin suits appeared in 1932.
 

Falcon_52

Active Member
Very interesting. I had always assumed that the B-1/A1 was replaced by the moquette-lined B-2/A-2. It sounds like they were actually complementary with the latter intended for cool (not cold) weather flying. Thanks for posting that zoomer.

Noel
 

Roughwear

Well-Known Member
This sounds about right Noel. As far as I can make out the first contracts for the B-1 jacket and A-1 trousers and B-2 jackets and A-2 trousers date from the 1932 fiscal year. Switlik Parachute & Equipment Co was awarded AC 4552 for B-1s/A-1s during this fiscal year and second contract, AC 5515 in the following fiscal year. Werber was awarded a B-2/A-2 contract, 4665 shortly after Switlik's first B-1/A-1 contract in the 1932 fiscal year.
 

Griffon_301

Well-Known Member
Wasn't the B-1 made out of dog fur and stank like hell because of that?
IIRC I have read that in a book about flight clothing development....
 

mulceber

Moderator
This is why I love it when people revive these old threads. I didn't even know this thread existed and its contains some really cool information! So the relationship of B-1 to B-2 was more like the relationship of the B-3 to the B-6. I would not have known (or guessed) that.
 

ameri

New Member
Thanks for the information provided, it was interesting to read this!
I can't imagine how difficult it was to wear such a suit in 1931, but at that time this invention seemed innovative and provided new opportunities that were not available before. Perhaps I would not have been able to undergo special training and become a pilot as I am too lazy for this. For me, it is better to spend my life devoting it to passive work and on weekends with my wife and children to cover with a blanket and watch films or sleep. I have never been involved in dangerous adventures, but have always admired those who are willing to sacrifice themselves for the sake of a big dream. I am sure that I am not the only one who remembers the great achievements and discoveries of mankind.
 
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