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USAAF Type D-1 Ground Crew Jacket
A simple lightweight sheepskin jacket with two zip pockets, originally intended for use by USAAF ground crew personnel, often working in horrific weather conditions.
The sheer beauty and simplicity of design ensured that the style conscious US flier began to use this lightweight jacket on Summer missions and the D1 became a popular, if unofficial, addition to a pilot's kit almost immediately.
The off-white shearling wool and tough dark brown leather exterior makes this the most practical of all flying jackets. Trim is in a choice of self colour Seal Brown or contrast using Russet Horse to cover the seams.
Original spec demanded a minimum of ¼" wool. On most original jackets around today the wool is still at least that long, so with 60 years ahead of it, the Aero Type D1, like the original, begins life with wool closer to ½" in length.
Closure is by wide tape WWII style brass Talon zipper. Considering the D1 was designed as a ground crew jacket a surprising number made their way into the air.
Because of its simple design, the choice of intermediate weight sheepskin and its lack of bulk in comparison to the Type B3, many fliers traded their B3s for D1s. This deal suited both the mechanic, who had a warmer jacket for working outside in severe weather conditions, and the pilot, who could now wear a D1 over an A2 giving themselves an extra layer of protection at high altitude in addition to having better ease of movement.
Start date for production of this model is very much a "grey area", very little is written about the jacket, we can only state from our personal experience in saying we have not, as far as memory serves, had an earlier jacket than 1937, nor have we ever heard of an earlier D1.
Standard size range is 34" to 48" inclusive, other sizes are available by special order