The CWU 45/P Made in USA Limited Edition Flight Jacket: A Rare Return to American Craft

When Alpha Industries began in 1959, the company’s purpose was clear: build dependable outerwear for the United States military. Decades later, the original flight jackets Alpha created for airmen have become icons of American aviation. This season, Alpha returns to those roots with one of its most meaningful projects in recent years — the CWU 45/P Made in USA Limited Edition Flight Jacket.

Only 100 of these limited edition jackets were produced, each one constructed in New York City’s Garment District. The result is a rare, handcrafted cold weather bomber jacket that combines archival accuracy, premium materials, and genuine American manufacturing.

Rebuilding a Classic Where It All Began

The CWU 45/P flight jacket has long been associated with U.S. Air Force and Navy pilots operating in harsh, cold weather conditions. Its shape, insulation, and durability made it one of the most recognizable flight jackets in American history.

 

 

This limited edition Made in America version brings the silhouette back to domestic manufacturing. It was produced at Corona Inc., a long-standing factory in New York City known for its ability to work with heavy fabrics and build technical outerwear with precision. The factory’s team of skilled makers specializes in construction methods that require steady hands, experience, and attention to detail.

Panels are cut by hand. Seams are reinforced with accuracy. Components are selected for performance and longevity. The level of care that goes into each jacket reflects a shared respect for American craft and the history of the CWU itself.

Handcrafted in the Garment District

Corona Inc., located in the heart of New York City’s Garment District, has a deep connection to American apparel manufacturing. For many of the workers on this project, garment-making is not simply a job, it is a craft. Their perspective is shaped by years of hands-on experience, as well as personal stories of opportunity and dedication. This emotional connection to their work adds another layer of meaning to the limited edition bomber jacket.

Premium Materials and Archival Accuracy

One of the defining upgrades in the CWU 45/P Made in USA Limited Edition is the material quality. While Alpha’s Heritage CWU 45/P already uses robust, dependable flight nylon, this limited edition steps up to a higher-grade, more premium version of the fabric.

The jacket’s nylon is paired with an authentic cold-weather interlining, industrial-grade hardware, and reinforced construction throughout. Every component is chosen not only for longevity but also for how closely it matches archival references.

As a final detail, this edition features a special ‘MADE IN USA’ ribbon, added alongside Alpha’s iconic red ribbon. The dual ribbon treatment is both a nod to Alpha’s heritage and a marker of the jacket’s rare domestic production.

A Limited Edition of Only 100

In today’s apparel industry, domestic production of heavy, technical outerwear is rare. The CWU 45/P Made in USA Limited Edition Flight Jacket stands out not only because it was made in New York City but also because of its extremely limited quantity. Only 100 pieces were produced.

This scarcity underscores the project’s importance. The jacket is meant for collectors, aviation enthusiasts, and anyone who values American craft. Each one represents a focused, disciplined production run guided by the same principles that defined Alpha’s earliest military contracts.

Why Alpha Chose to Bring Manufacturing Back

For Alpha’s leadership, this project goes beyond product development. It connects to the personal history of the people guiding the company today. CEO Mike Cirker has spoken openly about the pride he feels in returning a key silhouette to American manufacturing — something his father and grandfather oversaw during their time at Alpha.

“Bringing CWU production back to the United States, even for just a limited run, is personal to me. My grandfather Sam, and my father, Alan, spent decades overseeing US manufacturing for Alpha. To follow in their footsteps and bring production home just fills me with pride.”

This limited edition jacket reflects the past, present, and future of the brand. It honors the craftsmanship that built Alpha’s name while proving that American manufacturing still has the skill, talent, and heart to produce outerwear at the highest level.

 

 

A Jacket With Meaning

The CWU 45/P Made in USA Limited Edition Flight Jacket is more than a piece of outerwear. It represents a legacy of aviation history, American craftsmanship, and Alpha’s commitment to authenticity. Built in New York City. Constructed with premium materials. Crafted by skilled hands. Limited to only 100 pieces worldwide.

For those who understand what this jacket stands for, it is a rare opportunity to own a true piece of Alpha history, and a reminder that craft, purpose, and pride still matter.