USAF N-3B parkas - Let's talk about them!!

[HPA Rep]

this photo of an N3A illustrates well how wide these parkas are

View attachment 200470

Another very early example utilizing available materials from the N-3.

 

[Doctor Damage]

Not just an N-3A, but a very early example that utilized the coyote/wolf hood trim and brown sheep wool in the hood; the rest of the cast in the color photo wear the typical N-3A's.

I have a copy of this film and Stewart is the only one in an N3A, the rest all wear N2A's. I remember because when I watched it I noticed and thought "hmm" I guess Stewart was more comfy in the parka or something. Who knows? Anyways, if you like blue nylon it's a great film. They even wear L2A's in the first part of the film.

 

[Doctor Damage]

USAF security (did they call them MPs?) on a base somewhere guarding planes

AP's.

Okay, thanks. Yeah now I see the armband!

I really, really like the N3A parkas best of all. I like how the windflap comes all the way down to the bottom, how the zipper is really long, how the waist cords are accessible on the outside, and how the cuff knits are exposed. The N3B changes all four of those features and consequently looks more "everyday" and bland, I think, and is poorer performance-wise. I'm done messing around with vintage, and Buzz will never do the N3A again, so I guess these remain a dream item for me, haha

 

[Doctor Damage]

source: LINK

 

[Peacoat]

Yes, in 1948 following the creation of the Air Force, the Zoomies changed the name from Military Police to "Air Police," whatever that means. It was always confusing to me. Did they only have authority in the air and would have to call the MPs to deal with problems on the ground? Have no idea as I never had interaction the the MPs, SPs or APs except saluting at the front gate.

 

[Doctor Damage]

 

[Dumpster Diver]

Who is that? The future missus Dumpster Diver?

 

[Doctor Damage]

I posted this before but I think the images might be lost. Here's the official measurements (and sketches) for the modern-day N3B parkas from the military spec document dated 2003. Look at those insane pit-to-pit ("half chest") measurements!

 

[Ernest P Shackleton]

Can anyone tell me how a number size translates? I see some of these as 29-33 or as something like size 34. I googled it, trying to find a chart, but I didn't have any luck.

 

[Doctor Damage]

Can anyone tell me how a number size translates? I see some of these as 29-33 or as something like size 34. I googled it, trying to find a chart, but I didn't have any luck.

The actual armpit-to-armpit (half-chest) measurements in the table I posted are the official measurements for the parkas which manufacturers are supposed to get close to and thus do not reflect the actual size of the wearer's chest. In the recent past the USAF translated alphabetic sizes to numeric sizes as follows:
S = 34/36
M = 38/40
L = 42/44
XL = 46/48
**L = 50/52

 

[Doctor Damage]

Regarding the measurement table I posted, I just found a copy of the 1987 mil-spec for the N3B and the measurements are the same as the table. So basically, I think it's safe to assume that once the USAF retired the nylon shell version of the N3B and went to the modern-day cotton blend shell version the measurements in the table didn't change. Of course there's a +/- to the measurements, and the USAF wasn't going to measure every coat carefully on delivery, so any individual example of a military parka you measure will vary from the table and possibly by a fair amount.

 

[Doctor Damage]

Who is that? The future missus Dumpster Diver?

 

[Doctor Damage]

Here's a possible option for those who don't mind a repro...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2019-OKONK...hash=item3fd3c767a6:m:mYl97LGOsRovGWem9QOp2XQ

 

[Doctor Damage]

Admiral Richard Byrd on board USS Wyandot (Dec 1955)

 

[Doctor Damage]

random photos from the Antarctic

 

[Doctor Damage]

 

[Ernest P Shackleton]

These pictures really show how big they're cut and the intentions of the parka. Most of us aren't in those conditions. I wear a medium in most coats, and I'm wondering if an XS wouldn't be the equivalent.

 

[Doctor Damage]

 

[Doctor Damage]

For those who intend to get one of the modern day N3B parkas, don't forget to get a pair of F1B trousers, which are the insulated pants the N3B is supposed to be worn over (although I've yet to find a photo). Here's info from the 1979 spec for the F1B pants.

 

[Doctor Damage]

Here's an N3A worn by a member of VLJ, can't remember who it is, sorry. Hope he doesn't mind re-posting here.