USAAF Type A-2: Aero Contract No. W535ac-16160
• Pattern taken from original 1940 jacket in our archives
• Stand collar
• Talon zipper
• 'Aero' square pocket corners
• Sculptured pocket flap
• Military grade cotton lining
• High grade knitted cuffs and waistband
• Pictured left in Brown Kelpie Horsehide
This jacket replicates the fourth of the seven contracts received by Aero Leather of Beacon NY recorded on 1-Nov-40 for 4,500 Type A-2 jackets This contract represents an interesting transition between the complex 1938 Aero A-2 and the much more common 1942 jacket. Gone is the complicated zip arrangement and extra top stitching unique to the 1938 Aero, but the jacket still retains its high collar stand and offset collar. Our jacket replicates every detail including a perfect replica of the original zipper, a Japanese made period style Talon alloy zipper on herringbone cotton tape, which is fitted as standard, and, most importantly, the unique rust cotton lining, exclusive to this contract. The W535 AC-16160 retains most of the features of the 40-3785-P but is the first contract using the legendary “Square” pocket. Although both contracts lost a little of the body taper associated with the 1938 jacket, both 1940s jackets have the slim shoulder and sleeve. This makes the W535 AC-16160 neater fitting than the 1942 contract though not as neat as the 1938.
The 40-3785-P pattern is taken from an original 1940 jacket in our archives and fits slightly more relaxed our 38-1711-P Contract. The sleeves and body are fractionally looser, and the armholes are still high relative to many other Type A-2s but slightly lower than 38-1711-P.
We generally advise ordering the closest size to your expanded chest measurement for the intended fit but some may find sizing up offers a more comfortable fit depending on their measurements.
For further general sizing information, please see our sizing FAQ section. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for there, please get in touch.
Don’t worry, all sizing information displayed here is only a guide. Every order placed is checked over by a member of our production team who will confirm your size selection against your measurements or recommend any necessary changes that need to be made. If you have any specific queries, you can note these in the special instructions box on the ‘measurements’ page when placing your order.
