The Real McCoy’s TYPE MA-1 / STATUE de la LIBERTÉ calls back to the 48th Fighter Wing’s ‘Statue of Liberty Wing’, which was, and remains, the only Fighter Wing to have an official nickname and unit number in the U.S. Air Force. This was because the name was gifted by the city of Chaumont, France, where the base was originally located in the 1950s. The base and the airmen working there were beloved by the locals and the French military for their dedication and famous airshows. Around 1960, the wing was relocated to the RAF base near the town of Lakenheath, England, where the base resides to this day. The name is a reminder of the Wing’s roots, friendship and brotherhood between the U.S. and France.

Succeeding the B-15 series in the 1950s, the MA-1 became the pre-eminent Flight Jacket of the 20th Century and its efficacy lead to over three decades of employment by the U.S. Air Force & Navy.

This model, designed and constructed without compromise by Real McCoy's MFG. CO. is true to the Spec No. J-8279A and is the second model of MA-1, manufactured for only one year in 1957.

This spec features a number of subtle changes from the earlier model, the storm flap below the zipper gained a rounded edge and sewing specifications were altered in several places.

The Nylon for the MA-1 is a custom-produced fabric that authentically replicates the characteristics of the highly durable nylon material from the 50s. Nylon 66 was invented by DuPont Co. and became the preferred material for military jackets because of its superior durability and flame resistance.

The MA-1 benefits from wool ribbing, a period-accurate detail that was replaced with acrylic on later versions and Cotton Wool Pile Interlining.

The brass dot buttons are Black Oxide treated to MIL-SPEC, as are the 50s Talon Sleeve Zippers and Wire Front Zipper with black leather pull tab.

The MA-1 benefits from diagonal snap-closed slash pockets and pen pocket to the upper left arm.

This jacket design features a custom patch which is an exact reproduction of the vintage design. On the left sleeve is the 48th Fighter Wing patch, and the right breast is a patch for the 492nd Fighter-Bomber Squadron.