TYPE L-2B / VOODOO
The period of the Second World War witnessed swift advancements in both aircraft technology and pilot uniform. As the war drew to a close, the proliferation of Nylon, identified as the optimal fabric through testing by the Aero Medical Laboratory, together with the emergence of the Jet Age, led to the development of a new lightweight flight jacket designated the L-2.
The inception of the L-2B can be traced to 1955, following the Korean War ceasefire. It became the standard light-zone flight jacket of the United States Air Force and remained in service until the late 1970s, undergoing subtle specification changes over time. After the L-2A and the conclusion of the Korean War, the U.S. Air Force transitioned jacket colour from Air Force blue to sage green, aligning flight clothing with evolving operational requirements.
Although the first official order for the L-2B was placed in 1955, the mil-spec J-7448 outlining its specifications had already been issued in 1952. No contracts were finalised under that initial specification, making J-7448A the effective starting point of L-2B production. Early examples were defined by a champagne gold rayon-wool lining. After 1961, with the introduction of the D-type revision, the lining changed to rescue orange to improve pilot visibility in emergency situations.
Units such as the 49th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, based at Griffiss Air Force Base, stood on alert with the McDonnell F-101B Voodoo as part of the continental air defence network. Their role was rapid interception, responding to radar warnings and preparing to counter potential Soviet bomber incursions during the height of the Cold War. Flight jackets such as the L-2B were often worn in these environments and, once in private hands, were frequently customised with squadron insignia.
The name “Voodoo” was one of several otherworldly titles adopted by McDonnell in this period. Comparable examples include the McDonnell F-4 Phantom II, the McDonnell F3H Demon and the McDonnell XF-85 Goblin. Although the term derives from West African spiritual traditions later practised in Haiti and the American South, its use in aviation suggested speed, force and a psychological edge.
Customised examples of the L-2B sometimes carried multiple squadron patches across the chest, reflecting prior postings. It was uncommon to wear such decoration during formal duty, and jackets bearing two different squadron insignia were likely privately owned by pilots who had served with both units. In this sense, the flight jacket operated not only as functional equipment but also as a personal and commemorative garment, comparable in spirit to a varsity jacket.
The term “Scope Wizard” refers to the Radar Intercept Officer seated behind the pilot in the F-101B interceptor. The RIO operated the onboard radar system and guided missiles to target using the radar display known as the scope. Within Air Force slang, a technically proficient operator could be described as a “wizard,” denoting skill in electronic tracking and fire control under operational pressure.
Our TYPE L-2B REAL McCOY MFG. CO. calls back to the earlier specification models, featuring a champagne gold rayon-wool lining. It shares its pattern with the TYPE L-2A REAL McCOY MFG. CO., while its sage green outer shell aligns visually with the TYPE MA-1 REAL McCOY MFG. CO., illustrating the continuity of USAF flight jacket development through the 1950s. The jacket is constructed in a custom-produced Nylon 6 fabric that replicates the durable military nylon used in the 1950s.
- Nylon 6 Outer Shell
- Rayon-Wool Lining
- Wool Ribbing
- Brass Dot Button
- 50s Oval-Shaped Front Zipper, Aluminum Alloy, Cotton Tape
- 50s Oval-Shaped Sleeve Zipper, Aluminum Alloy, Cotton Tape
- Embroidered Patch on Right Chest and Right Shoulder
- Chenille Patch on Left Chest
- Insignia Patch on Both Shoulder Epaulettes
- Made in Japan
The period of the Second World War witnessed swift advancements in both aircraft technology and pilot uniform. As the war drew to a close, the proliferation of Nylon, identified as the optimal fabric through testing by the Aero Medical Laboratory, together with the emergence of the Jet Age, led to the development of a new lightweight flight jacket designated the L-2.
The inception of the L-2B can be traced to 1955, following the Korean War ceasefire. It became the standard light-zone flight jacket of the United States Air Force and remained in service until the late 1970s, undergoing subtle specification changes over time. After the L-2A and the conclusion of the Korean War, the U.S. Air Force transitioned jacket colour from Air Force blue to sage green, aligning flight clothing with evolving operational requirements.
Although the first official order for the L-2B was placed in 1955, the mil-spec J-7448 outlining its specifications had already been issued in 1952. No contracts were finalised under that initial specification, making J-7448A the effective starting point of L-2B production. Early examples were defined by a champagne gold rayon-wool lining. After 1961, with the introduction of the D-type revision, the lining changed to rescue orange to improve pilot visibility in emergency situations.
Units such as the 49th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, based at Griffiss Air Force Base, stood on alert with the McDonnell F-101B Voodoo as part of the continental air defence network. Their role was rapid interception, responding to radar warnings and preparing to counter potential Soviet bomber incursions during the height of the Cold War. Flight jackets such as the L-2B were often worn in these environments and, once in private hands, were frequently customised with squadron insignia.
The name “Voodoo” was one of several otherworldly titles adopted by McDonnell in this period. Comparable examples include the McDonnell F-4 Phantom II, the McDonnell F3H Demon and the McDonnell XF-85 Goblin. Although the term derives from West African spiritual traditions later practised in Haiti and the American South, its use in aviation suggested speed, force and a psychological edge.
Customised examples of the L-2B sometimes carried multiple squadron patches across the chest, reflecting prior postings. It was uncommon to wear such decoration during formal duty, and jackets bearing two different squadron insignia were likely privately owned by pilots who had served with both units. In this sense, the flight jacket operated not only as functional equipment but also as a personal and commemorative garment, comparable in spirit to a varsity jacket.
The term “Scope Wizard” refers to the Radar Intercept Officer seated behind the pilot in the F-101B interceptor. The RIO operated the onboard radar system and guided missiles to target using the radar display known as the scope. Within Air Force slang, a technically proficient operator could be described as a “wizard,” denoting skill in electronic tracking and fire control under operational pressure.
Our TYPE L-2B REAL McCOY MFG. CO. calls back to the earlier specification models, featuring a champagne gold rayon-wool lining. It shares its pattern with the TYPE L-2A REAL McCOY MFG. CO., while its sage green outer shell aligns visually with the TYPE MA-1 REAL McCOY MFG. CO., illustrating the continuity of USAF flight jacket development through the 1950s. The jacket is constructed in a custom-produced Nylon 6 fabric that replicates the durable military nylon used in the 1950s.
- Nylon 6 Outer Shell
- Rayon-Wool Lining
- Wool Ribbing
- Brass Dot Button
- 50s Oval-Shaped Front Zipper, Aluminum Alloy, Cotton Tape
- 50s Oval-Shaped Sleeve Zipper, Aluminum Alloy, Cotton Tape
- Embroidered Patch on Right Chest and Right Shoulder
- Chenille Patch on Left Chest
- Insignia Patch on Both Shoulder Epaulettes
- Made in Japan
Description
The period of the Second World War witnessed swift advancements in both aircraft technology and pilot uniform. As the war drew to a close, the proliferation of Nylon, identified as the optimal fabric through testing by the Aero Medical Laboratory, together with the emergence of the Jet Age, led to the development of a new lightweight flight jacket designated the L-2.
The inception of the L-2B can be traced to 1955, following the Korean War ceasefire. It became the standard light-zone flight jacket of the United States Air Force and remained in service until the late 1970s, undergoing subtle specification changes over time. After the L-2A and the conclusion of the Korean War, the U.S. Air Force transitioned jacket colour from Air Force blue to sage green, aligning flight clothing with evolving operational requirements.
Although the first official order for the L-2B was placed in 1955, the mil-spec J-7448 outlining its specifications had already been issued in 1952. No contracts were finalised under that initial specification, making J-7448A the effective starting point of L-2B production. Early examples were defined by a champagne gold rayon-wool lining. After 1961, with the introduction of the D-type revision, the lining changed to rescue orange to improve pilot visibility in emergency situations.
Units such as the 49th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, based at Griffiss Air Force Base, stood on alert with the McDonnell F-101B Voodoo as part of the continental air defence network. Their role was rapid interception, responding to radar warnings and preparing to counter potential Soviet bomber incursions during the height of the Cold War. Flight jackets such as the L-2B were often worn in these environments and, once in private hands, were frequently customised with squadron insignia.
The name “Voodoo” was one of several otherworldly titles adopted by McDonnell in this period. Comparable examples include the McDonnell F-4 Phantom II, the McDonnell F3H Demon and the McDonnell XF-85 Goblin. Although the term derives from West African spiritual traditions later practised in Haiti and the American South, its use in aviation suggested speed, force and a psychological edge.
Customised examples of the L-2B sometimes carried multiple squadron patches across the chest, reflecting prior postings. It was uncommon to wear such decoration during formal duty, and jackets bearing two different squadron insignia were likely privately owned by pilots who had served with both units. In this sense, the flight jacket operated not only as functional equipment but also as a personal and commemorative garment, comparable in spirit to a varsity jacket.
The term “Scope Wizard” refers to the Radar Intercept Officer seated behind the pilot in the F-101B interceptor. The RIO operated the onboard radar system and guided missiles to target using the radar display known as the scope. Within Air Force slang, a technically proficient operator could be described as a “wizard,” denoting skill in electronic tracking and fire control under operational pressure.
Our TYPE L-2B REAL McCOY MFG. CO. calls back to the earlier specification models, featuring a champagne gold rayon-wool lining. It shares its pattern with the TYPE L-2A REAL McCOY MFG. CO., while its sage green outer shell aligns visually with the TYPE MA-1 REAL McCOY MFG. CO., illustrating the continuity of USAF flight jacket development through the 1950s. The jacket is constructed in a custom-produced Nylon 6 fabric that replicates the durable military nylon used in the 1950s.
- Nylon 6 Outer Shell
- Rayon-Wool Lining
- Wool Ribbing
- Brass Dot Button
- 50s Oval-Shaped Front Zipper, Aluminum Alloy, Cotton Tape
- 50s Oval-Shaped Sleeve Zipper, Aluminum Alloy, Cotton Tape
- Embroidered Patch on Right Chest and Right Shoulder
- Chenille Patch on Left Chest
- Insignia Patch on Both Shoulder Epaulettes
- Made in Japan
