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There were two versions of the ANJ-3. One version was more like the M-422A in that it had a mouton collar and an interior wind flap. The other was more like the A-2 in that it had a leather collar and an exterior wind flap and maybe epaulets...I can't recall for sure. They both were goatskin and they both had the pleated or "action back".
The first version was actually issued in relatively small numbers and examples can still be found. The second version wasn't issued (except possibly as a test jacket) and I've only seen one photograph of one example. A very rare bird, indeed.
AF
Smithy, I think that's more or less a universal perception. I am clueless why the ANJ-3 hasn't developed more traction and popularity.
It is a real shame it was killed off so quickly. It is a wonderful design and if you compare it with an A-2 at a purely functional level it makes far, far more sense. But us human beings are such emotive creatures and all those pics of aircrew in their A-2s is what has no doubt tipped it in favour for the A-2 in the repro market.
The more I read this thread, the more I want one. That itch isn't going away!
And in case you haven't seen it, JPK, here's my Aero ANJ-3 as it appeared when I first got it (along with photos of a rare and lovely original) - and on my very first thread!
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?71410-My-Aero-ANJ-3&highlight=
Precisely what I was thinking. Seal goat with rust knits would look good.
I've noticed that civilian versions of the ANJ-3 often combine the two original versions. In other words, they simply take a G-1 shell and replace the mouton collar with leather.
I think the reason the ANJ-3 never gained traction in the military is because it was obsolete before it was designed. Leather flight jackets are good flight jackets only if you have no other choice. Yes, they look great and develop fabulous character with wear...but they are heavy and cold and expensive. Or, in the case of the B-jackets, bulky. By the time WWII ended, there were better options.
AF
Precisely what I was thinking. Seal goat with rust knits would look good.
Precisely what I was thinking. Seal goat with rust knits would look good.
I tried Aero's remake a year or so back, done in a tan leather, and it was a great fit. It's one of those styles that for a slim guy, it's a great look.