Origins of the Heritage Collection

SINCE 1959 ALPHA INDUSTRIES HAS PRODUCED HIGH PERFORMANCE OUTERWEAR WORN BY MILITARY AND CIVILIANS ALIKE.

In 1959 Alpha Industries was commissioned by the U.S. Department of Defense to design and manufacture high performance outerwear for the U.S. military. The company quickly became synonymous with the iconic MA-1 Bomber Jacket, M-65 Field Jacket, and N-3B Parka and was trusted by soldiers, sailors, and aviators to protect them from the most dire conditions across land, sea, and air. Today, Alpha Industries continues to manufacture these ionic silhouettes for the civilian market, still true to their original military specifications as the Heritage Collection.

THE BOMBER JACKETS

MA-1 | B-15 | CWU/45P

Alpha Industries began manufacturing the iconic MA-1 Bomber Jacket for the United States Department of Defense in 1963. Constructed from durable flight nylon, the MA-1 was water resistant and more versatile than earlier leather versions of the bomber jacket. The modern version follows the same design specifications as the ones originally made for Air Force and Navy pilots.

The B-15 Bomber Jacket was first issued in 1944 to U.S. Army and Air Force pilots. The B-15 was one of the nylon bomber jackets that first replaced the heavy leather jackets previously used by pilots. Alpha Industries’ modern version of the B-15 closely follows the original military design, including the button tabs once used by pilots to connect oxygen masks and headset wires.

The CWU 45/P Bomber Jacket was introduced in the 1970s, and is the silhouette still used by U.S. Air Force and Navy pilots today. Made for use in moderately cold temperatures, this classic bomber jacket features polyester fill, ribbed knit cuffs and collar, and a front zipper closure with storm flaps.

THE FIELD JACKETS

M-65 | ALS/92

Alpha Industries is the original manufacturer of the iconic M-65 Field Jacket, receiving the first contract for the garment from the United States Department of Defense in 1965. The M-65 Field Coat was popular for its versatility and durability as it stood up to the harshest of conditions and climates. Soon, the M-65 found itself popular with civilians as well, becoming the jacket of choice for members of the counterculture movement of the 1970s. Today, the M-65 Field Jacket remains one of the most iconic jackets of all time, immortalized in film and popular culture. Alpha Industries continues to produce this classic jacket to its original military specifications.

The M-65 field coat liner was developed in the late 1960s as a separately-issued piece that could be layered under the M-65 Field Coat for added warmth, or worn on its own in warmer weather. Like the M-65 Field Jacket, liners have become Alpha Industries' modern version of the M-65 liner, the ALS/92 Field Jacket Liner, features a ripstop nylon shell lining with polyester fill, and knit cuffs for added insulation.

THE PARKAS

N-3B | N-2B

Alpha Industries’ first government contract was for the N-3B Parka, used by United States Air Force crew members in extreme cold weather conditions. The N-3B Parka features reinforced elbow patches, a full-length storm flap and inset knit cuffs for durability and protection against the elements. The nylon outer shell/polyester interlining keeps heat in and provides additional protection against cold weather.

Alpha Industries was awarded the contract for the N-2B Short Waist Parka in 1963 by the U.S. Department of Defense. The N-2B was used by U.S. Air Force pilots and ground crews in extreme cold weather conditions. The shorter length of the parka made movement easier, and unique 'pass through' front pockets allowed pilots to reach into their pants pockets without subjecting their hands to freezing temperatures.

- SIZE GUIDE