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. We made a nylon version of the CWU45/P for the commercial market in 1988 and introduced a leather version in the late 1990s.

Product Details

Love the look of cinematic pilots, or were you once a pilot yourself? Our CWU Pilot jacket boasts the same silhouette/trims of the original CWU 45/P. Stay cozy with the 100% nylon outer shell and quilted nylon liner on our CWU Pilot jacket. Keep your belongings secure in our signature Alpha utility/pencil pocket and battle the elements with our CWU Pilot jacket’s lined cargo pockets/front zipper closure with storm flap.

• The CWU Pilot jacket features signature Alpha utility/pencil pocket and fully lined cargo pockets with Velcro closures, ideal for wallets and pocketknives
• Our CWU Pilot jacket keeps you looking authentic & fashion-forward with an assortment of flight patches
• Stuck in the rain? No problem! The CWU Pilot jacket is water repellent and warm, due to a 100% nylon shell and quilted nylon lining. The front zipper closure with storm flap also ensures you’ll stay cozy during any adventure

Suitable for mild or colder winter climates ranging -4°C to 4°C