Alpha Industrie's CWU 45/P flight jacket is ideal for those seeking durable construction, warmth, and authenticity. The CWU 45/P jacket features a water repellent nylon outer shell, paired with two layered quilted nylon/polyester interlinings. The knit cuffs, waistband, and front zipper closure with storm flap ensure that you'll stay warm and dry. The CWU 45/P flight jacket silhouette is still issued to USAF and Navy pilots today, although the current Mil-Spec 45/P model comes in fire resistant NOMEX material. Alpha offers a 45/P Hooded X version with removable fur hood liner. This jacket is shorter than the B-15 but has a similar fit. Alpha Industrie's recommend sizing up if you like a roomier fit or down if you like a tight fit.
Features:
The CWU 45/P flight jacket boasts a 100% water repellent nylon shell for maximum dryness and comfort
Alpha Industrie's CWU 45/P jacket keeps you toasty and warm with its knit cuffs and waistband, a storm flap with front zipper closure, as Alpha Industrie'sll as a quilted, double-lined interior
The lined and double-stitched front cargo pockets have Velcro® closures for secure carrying
You can customize yAlpha Industrie's flight jacket with Alpha Industrie's removable Alpha logo Velcro® patch and a choice of six attractive colors
Product History:
The early flight jackets were made of nylon fabrics which were found to melt onto the pilot when he was subjected to flames encountered during an aircraft fire. As the technology of materials and fabrics improved, there was a need for a new jacket that would be fire-retardant. This gave rise to the CWU (Cold Weather Uniform) 36/P and 45/P in the 1972. The jacket, made of a NOMEX fabric featured high patch pockets, knit waistband and cuffs, zippered utility/pencil pocket and fire-resistant threads, drawstrings and zipper tapes. NOMEX is a Dupont product that is known for its excellent thermal, chemical, and radiation resistance. The bi-swing back of early jackets was done away with once it was determined that it interfered with safety equipment. Today Air Force pilots are still issued the CWU 36/P and 45/P. Alpha started producing the jackets for the military in 1995 and went on to make them for more than five years. Alpha Industrie's made a nylon version of the CWU45/P for the commercial market in 1988 and introduced a leather version in the late 1990s.