oose
Active Member
Hi All,
I was recently lucky enough to pick up a Apollo Era NASA Flight Jacket, the same as the one now being produced by Alexander Leather. Thanks to all those who made this possible especially Jim (watchmanjimg). Here are my thoughts on the subject, please add any addition information and photographs you have.
The NASA flight jacket of the Apollo era were produced in a number of different configurations during its shot life. The first of these was probably by Land Mfg. Co. of Wichita Kansas, they had supplied flight suits and jackets previous to NASA Apollo program albeit in a different configuration. These jackets seemed to be first issued around November 1968 as this is the first time I've come across them in NASA comprehensive photo archive. I suspect that these jackets were issued at the Houston Manned Space Center (MSC).
TYPE 1
On the surface the design resembles the USAF L-2b jackets, but in reality they are very different. In its first incarnation the NASA jackets are made from a light blue cotton material with a orange lining they are fully reversible, with the same configuration of pockets on the inside as on the outside. The arm zipper tape having being fixed like the military L-2b and being dark blue in color. The jacket has silver snaps and was the most numerous jacket worn by the early Apollo astronauts.
TYPE 2
The second type commonly seen is similar in being made of the same materials and by Land Mfg. Co. of Wichita Kansas. It is also orange lined but it is not fully revisable, only for emergencies. The arm zipper is also different and is hidden the same configuration as the NASA flight suits. These jackets are seen from 1969 onwards so I think represent the second order from Land Mfg. Co.
TYPE 3
The third type, I've only two photographed jackets. It is similar to the second type but this version has a white lining, I don't know it this jackets is fully revisable or not. Its is seen from 1970 onwards.
TYPE 4
This is the Mustard colored jacket made by Kings Point Mfg. The color change also coincides with a change of material, due to the new material not being able to be dyed. This jacket is issued from 1971, mainly used by the Apollo 17 crew, but other late crews were issued them at some time. It has a white lining, not fully revisable and has a distinctive squared off flap.
All the best
Stu
I was recently lucky enough to pick up a Apollo Era NASA Flight Jacket, the same as the one now being produced by Alexander Leather. Thanks to all those who made this possible especially Jim (watchmanjimg). Here are my thoughts on the subject, please add any addition information and photographs you have.
The NASA flight jacket of the Apollo era were produced in a number of different configurations during its shot life. The first of these was probably by Land Mfg. Co. of Wichita Kansas, they had supplied flight suits and jackets previous to NASA Apollo program albeit in a different configuration. These jackets seemed to be first issued around November 1968 as this is the first time I've come across them in NASA comprehensive photo archive. I suspect that these jackets were issued at the Houston Manned Space Center (MSC).
TYPE 1
On the surface the design resembles the USAF L-2b jackets, but in reality they are very different. In its first incarnation the NASA jackets are made from a light blue cotton material with a orange lining they are fully reversible, with the same configuration of pockets on the inside as on the outside. The arm zipper tape having being fixed like the military L-2b and being dark blue in color. The jacket has silver snaps and was the most numerous jacket worn by the early Apollo astronauts.
TYPE 2
The second type commonly seen is similar in being made of the same materials and by Land Mfg. Co. of Wichita Kansas. It is also orange lined but it is not fully revisable, only for emergencies. The arm zipper is also different and is hidden the same configuration as the NASA flight suits. These jackets are seen from 1969 onwards so I think represent the second order from Land Mfg. Co.
TYPE 3
The third type, I've only two photographed jackets. It is similar to the second type but this version has a white lining, I don't know it this jackets is fully revisable or not. Its is seen from 1970 onwards.
TYPE 4
This is the Mustard colored jacket made by Kings Point Mfg. The color change also coincides with a change of material, due to the new material not being able to be dyed. This jacket is issued from 1971, mainly used by the Apollo 17 crew, but other late crews were issued them at some time. It has a white lining, not fully revisable and has a distinctive squared off flap.
All the best
Stu
