Cooper Original™ Black Goatskin “Presidential” A-2 Jacket

Cooper Original Black Goatskin “Presidential” A-2 w/Red Lining

NEW! Our US Wings Cooper Original Black Goatskin “Presidential” A-2 Jacket has the classic & iconic look of the original A-2, but features fit & functionality upgrades over the original WWII version: it’s been sized to fit modern physiques and includes side-entry handwarmer pockets, two leather-trimmed interior wallet pockets, and a leather interior double slotted pen/pencil pocket (none of which were present on original WWII-issue A-2s). And befitting a “Presidential” A-2, it also has a truly regal-looking red satin lining, which sets this A-2 apart from all others and gives it an exceptionally distinctive & stately appearance.

The timeless style of the A-2 is loved by many, including presidents, and numerous US Presidents have worn this iconic jacket during their time in office. The origins of the red lining goes back to WWII, where some fighter groups (like the 8th AF’s 56th Fighter Group) had a tradition of replacing the A-2’s standard lining with a red one when a fighter pilot achieved “ace” status (ace = 5 aerial victories). Today, this striking red lining continues to symbolize the wearer’s elite status (though you don’t need to be among the “elite” to wear it) and adds history & significance to this venerable jacket. Our red lining is made from a silky, yet durable, rayon material and contrasts quite handsomely with the black color of the jacket, and with the addition of the red lining, you’re sure to feel “presidential” every time you slip this jacket on! Part of our US President® Collection.

The Cooper Original™ Black Goatskin “Presidential” A-2 Jacket features:

• 100% Premium ultra supple black Goatskin
• Military Spec
• Throat hook
• Epaulets
• Two front snap-flapped cargo pockets
• Side Entry hand warmer pockets
• Snap down collar
• Exterior wind flap
• Brass zipper
• Interior double slotted pen/pencil pocket
• Two leather trimmed interior wallet pockets
• One piece back
• Knit cuffs and waistband
• Red interior lining
• Fit: Normal
• Color: Black

Protect your jacket with our new jacket care products.

These products are all natural and hand made in the USA. It will help preserve your new jacket or add years back to your old one. Exposure to the elements and regular wear will dry out and fade your jacket. Replenish your jacket now!

History of Cooper:

Founded in 1910, Cooper manufactured raincoats for the US Army in 1917-1918 as well as field jackets from 1941-1945. On January 5 1942, Cooper was awarded the contract to produce A-2 jackets for the USAAF during WWII. In 1988, they were awarded a contract to produce A-2s for the USAF; the jackets were created using patterns from an original A-2 but were made in a fuller cut to accommodate modern physiques. In 1996, they were awarded a contract from the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP) to re-design the A-2 into what would become the current military-issue version. Fit & functionality upgrades were made to this venerable Air Force flight jacket, including side-entry hand-warmer pockets and an interior pocket (which had previously only been available on civilian A-2 versions, not on military-issue A-2s), underarm gussets, and a more roomy fit.

Their contribution to the civilian market was no less significant. Cooper produced a range of A-2s, G-1s, Indy jackets and more to customers around the world. US Wings partnered with Cooper in 1986 and ending when Cooper ceased production in the late 1990s. US Wings is the official home of the Cooper name and we’re proud to continue the tradition of excellence. This line consists of classic Cooper jackets as well as a number of “new classics” that are sure to appeal to any leather jacket enthusiast. Rest assured that we’ve retained Cooper’s commitment to quality, putting only the finest materials and the highest level of craftsmanship into the jackets that bear the Cooper Original name. This ensures that our jackets will be of the same high quality as the original Cooper jackets worn by your father, grandfather or even great-grandfather.

The Modern A-2:

The A-2 leather flight jacket is an American military flight jacket. Originally invented and developed for the World War II U.S. Army Air Forces pilots. After a brief period of not issuing jackets to pilots, the modern A-2 was developed and issued. It was said that the popular film, “Top Gun” may have influenced the new A-2. The first Air Force A-2 contract was awarded to Avirex, but all subsequent contracts from 1988 to 1998 were awarded to Neil Cooper USA, now U.S. Wings of Ohio. The modern design differs from the original design in several ways. With a looser fit, made from goatskin in seal brown, side entry pockets, and an inside wallet pockets.