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N.O.S. CENTRE MFG. CO., INC. TYPE CWU-36/P SUMMER MEN'S FLYERS’ JACKET MIL-J-83382B(USAF) (FIRST PATTERN)

Jorgeenriqueaguilera

Well-Known Member
Gents,

Continuing with the Top Gun enthusiasm, I would like to share a NOS example of the first pattern from the CWU-36/P Summer Men’s Flyer’s Jacket. We could consider this specific model to be father of the one we see worn by Maverick in the Top Gun sequel.

In 1978, the U.S. Air Force began offering a new summer flight jacket to replace the L-2B. The new light zone flight jacket called type CWU-36/P had a design similar to the cold weather flight jacket adopted in 1973, the CWU-45/P.

Based on the bitter experience of the Vietnam War, this intermediate flight jacket used flame-resistant fiber; Aromatic Polyamide (Nomex) for the first time.

The fire-resistant shell is rough and tough. It is known for excellent thermal, chemical, and radiation resistance.

This series of jackets were designed to perform well in and out of the aircraft and would withstand adverse conditions.

This early pattern also features a bi-swing back for effortless arm movement, making this model extremely comfortable to wear and probably one of the most practical flight jackets ever issued.

In the present, the CWU-36/P is still being issued to the U.S. forces, although it has undergone several spec revisions.

Needless to say, these early pattern is quite rare to find in good condition nowadays.

Hope you guys enjoy it!

Regards,
Jorge

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Silver Surfer

Well-Known Member
agreed, those early cwus are comfy and well made. the materials changed a little over the years, as did the zipper type. also, the early ones [bi-swing back] are appx 1" shorter [prortionatley to size] than the later examples. they can still be found, but often show appropriate wear and many have velco patch backing stitched on them, other than name tag backs.
 
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