An authentic CWU-45/P cold-weather flight jacket believed to have been used by the U.S. Navy Aviation Corps. Estimated size: S to M.

The CWU-45/P debuted in the 1970s as next-generation gear to replace traditional nylon flight jackets, such as the MA-1. Designed with aircraft fires in mind, this flight jacket utilized flame-retardant materials and was widely used by the U.S. Air Force and Naval Aviation, among others.

Features include a large, rounded collar; large flap pockets on both sides; a cigarette/utility pocket on the left sleeve; and knit ribbing on the cuffs and hem. It also features the sage green flame-retardant shell that symbolizes the CWU series. This is an extremely important model that established the basic design for U.S. military flight jackets that remains in use today.

This particular jacket still has an instruction label on the inside reading “JACKETS, FLYER’S COLD WEATHER TYPE CWU-45/P.” Unfortunately, the other contract/size label is missing, so it is not possible to determine the exact year of manufacture, manufacturer, or labeled size.The designation “CWU-45P” was standardized around the late 1970s; while this is an estimate based on the absence of pleats, the jacket is believed to be a model from around the late 1980s.

SCOVILL zippers are used on the front and sleeve pockets. Velcro remains on the left chest for attaching patches and name tags.

The fading—a characteristic unique to well-worn items rather than deadstock—is particularly appealing.

There are signs of wear and fading throughout the garment, with particularly pronounced color loss from the shoulders to the sleeves—areas especially susceptible to sunlight and friction. The contrast in color between the center of the body and the back further enhances its character, creating a wonderful look that suggests it was actually worn for a long time.

CWU-style flame-retardant fabrics change over time and with wear, evolving from the uniform sage green of a new garment into a unique hue. This piece is right in the middle of that transformation, taking on a distinctly vintage look with shades of olive, gray, and brown intermingling depending on the angle of the light.

The interior also shows signs of wear, such as pilling and fine debris, so it is by no means in pristine condition. However, considering its age and history of practical use, it is still in a condition where you can fully enjoy wearing it. This is a piece we highly recommend to those seeking the authentic, well-worn look of a jacket actually used by an air force unit, rather than a brand-new, pristine CWU jacket.

The size is unknown due to a missing label, but based on the actual measurements and silhouette, it is estimated to be approximately SMALL to MEDIUM. Please check the actual measurements listed below.

This is more than just a vintage garment; it’s a piece that lets you experience the history of U.S. Navy aviation gear as it transitioned from the MA-1 era to the modern CWU series. If you’ve been searching for a CWU that isn’t too pristine—one with the authentic character of a well-worn, genuine article—this is definitely for you.

Please note that returns are not accepted for used items. Thank you for your understanding.

Dimensions (Flat Measurements)

Shoulder width: 50 cm

Chest width: 54 cm

Length: 63 cm

Sleeve Length: 66 cm