USAF L2B Flight Jacket (1970)

Commercial Items, Later Cold War (1969 - 1989), Other Uniforms, United States, Vietnam War

The jacket’s shell is made entirely from synthetic nylon, which is lightweight, but would be unsafe in a crash since the material would melt and stick to the wearer, especially in high temperature flames due to aviation fuel [1].

Patch:

This jacket has a novelty “Traveling Air Circus” patch, parodying the official Tactical Air Command patch. The patch appears to be made in Japan [2].

All other insignia was removed.

Tag:

1970 contract date.

Zipper:

Scovill branded zipper.

Arm Pocket:

Knit:

Collar, wrists, and waist are all elastic knit.

Usage Photo:

Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War (2020):

Adler’s default Mountain Drab multiplayer skin uses a slightly recolored L2B flight jacket, which would be unsafe for a mission that requires a demolition-oriented belt kit.

Russell Adler’s bomber jackets are recolored version of the MA-1 flight jacket, reflecting fashion trends of the 1980’s [3]. However, the jacket would be inappropriate for his direct action combat missions due to the nylon’s tendency to melt [1], and he could have used an MA-2 type jacket, which was made from flame-resistant Nomex and available starting in 1977 [4], well before the game’s events. Interestingly, he does not ever use a sage green colored one in-game.