N-3B
In 1945, the U.S Army Airforce issued the Jacket, Aircrew, Heavy, Type N-3, the first of a long line of very successful N-3 Style parkas. The N-3 evolved into the N3B by 1958, described as “for aircrew members in extremely cold environments”. The N3B was a single breasted, four pocket, ¾ length parka with an outer layer of nylon twill ( typically sage green), insulated with a layer of wool pile fabric and lined with nylon cloth. The integrated parka hood was fur-trimmed, mouton lined. The hood fur had changed slowly from the original wolf and beaver, to coyote, and finally to synthetics. The N3B is also known as a “Snorkel Parka” because the hood can be zipped up, leaving only a small opening (the snorkel) for looking out.
1. 100% nylon, tear-resistant outer fabric
2. One-piece snorkel hood (with synthetic fur trim)
3. 2 outside pockets with push-button
4. Universal zipper pocket on the sleeve (arm office)
5. Knitted cuffs on the sleeves
6. Strong metal zipper
7. buttoned storm lip
8. 100% nylon lining
9. Feeding with siliconized synthetic down