Summer or winter, it’s flippin’ cold at 30,000 feet!
Summer or winter, it’s flippin’ cold at 30,000 feet!
Anderson, most of the aircrew in your image wear the lightweight ANS-31. The darker suit (worn by the man leaning on Jeep), is an early cotton gabardine A-4, identifiable by its open-topped leg and breast pockets.
The A-4 was unpopular due to the regular loss of contents (particularly with fighter pilots when inverted), and were often ‘rigger-fitted’ with zippers.
The short lived A-5 corrected this omission, but was quickly replaced by the ANS-31.
The AN serial was adopted in the attempt to rationalise production; AN standing for Army/Navy, rather than having different types for each service.
The ANS-31 was later re-designated AN-6550.
Last edited by Kohima; 06-05-2020 at 10:05 AM.
I do apologize for not answering your question Anderson. I didn't notice it until now.
Bob is correct (Great call)and that is the suit that Rene's shows the label of with his A-4 in his post.
I can see them complaining about that lower pocket being open. My example is wide open and would not be good for anything in the inverted position.
Semper Fi
Phil
Last edited by AZPhil; 06-07-2020 at 11:10 PM.
Here's the ANS-31 and my left foot for interest!
Thanks for clarifying that guys. #10 photo is actually of RNZAF F4U-1 fighter pilots at Bougainville (no.14 squadron) in 1944. What interests me as as the RNZAF replaced British aircraft in the early 1940's with American supplied aircraft they also adopted US flight suits and kit as well.
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