VIETNAM WAR CARTER INDUSTRIES, INC. WINTER FLYING SUIT (WEP) JACKET

[Jorgeenriqueaguilera]

Gentlemen

Today we have an example of the Winter Flying Suit-Jacket, universally called “WEP” jacket from the letters on the label, but those actually refer to the Bureau of Weapons, which led the original contract.

Originally designed as an undergarment for an anti-exposure suit, it featured trousers that attached with buttons. Due to the lightweight and comfort of this jacket, it quickly became one the favorite amongst the USN/USMC pilots.

Being available since the late 50s, it still attracts aviators till present times, although it is no longer issued by the government, some companies like Cockpit and Avirex offer reproductions, and pilots still buy and wear them.

The example shown here was made by Carter Industries, Inc., and it’s in mint condition. All parts are original to the jacket and it looks like it was hardly worn, if ever. The knits, inside lining, and tab connectors are immaculate. Conmar zipper works perfectly, and it shows no signs of use.

As a side note, fitting could be complicated on this jacket as the original design tends to be a bit short on the waist regardless the size, also it is quite rare to find this jacket in such pristine condition.

Being that said, enjoy the pics!

Regards
Jorge

 

[Jorgeenriqueaguilera]

And proper fit-pics...

 

[blackrat2]

Nice jacket Jorge
I had a great example few years back, came via Manions with knackered knits, these were replaced by Aeroleather
Conmar zipper and a Tonkin Golf patch adorned my one
Way to short for a six footer so sold it on, nice jacket but not a good fit by modern standards

 

[Jorgeenriqueaguilera]

Totally agree about the fitting, I have 3 of these and all are very short, perhaps the modern repros have fixed that issue. Perhaps I will try one in the future, even pilots wear repros nowadays.

 

[Rutger]

Yeah, my guess would be wearable repros would never sell when in the original sizing. I like them but half my back exposed and the sleeves too long, well, that's just one bridge too far. I already get comments on my jacket being too short when I'm wearing an MA-1. Most of the time I don't care to explain that it is just the way these jackets were cut fifty yeas ago.

Great example of the WEP, as per standard

Oh by the way, I don't think current military pilots would wear anything else but the allowed flight gear, which I believe would at least have to be made of nomex.
That'd be the CWU-36 and -45 for naval pilots.

 

[Jorgeenriqueaguilera]

Thanks @Rutger, yes, I agree, most likely modern ones fit better. Here are some pics of USN pilots with them, although it is not an official jacket... edit (no doubt, these modern repros fit better)

 

[B-Man2]

Thanks @Rutger, yes, I agree, most likely modern ones fit better. Here are some pics of USN pilots with them, although it is not an official jacket... edit (no doubt, looks like these modern repros fit better)
View attachment 38018View attachment 38020View attachment 38017View attachment 38019

Hi guys
Any opinions on who makes the best repro of this jacket?

 

[Jorgeenriqueaguilera]

Hi guys
Any opinions on who makes the best repro of this jacket?

I’ll let @jrsheairs be the authorized source on that one.

 

[jrsheairs]

I’ll let @jrsheairs be the authorized source on that one.

Mine is from Avirex. I believe I bought it in 1984. It was the only repro of that jacket that I could find.

 

[Jorgeenriqueaguilera]

 

[Phrog Driver]

The Vietnam vets in my first squadron all wore WEP jackets. That was their trademark. Well, that and their top row of ribbons which were all Air Medals, DFCs, some Silver Stars, and the occasional Navy Cross.

 

[Jorgeenriqueaguilera]

The Vietnam vets in my first squadron all wore WEP jackets. That was their trademark. Well, that and their top row of ribbons which were all Air Medals, DFCs, some Silver Stars, and the occasional Navy Cross.

Amazing, do you still have yours?? Would be cool to see it!

 

[Phrog Driver]

Amazing, do you still have yours?? Would be cool to see it!

No Jorge, I was not in the Vietnam generation, they were the senior pilots and aircrew when I was a pup in the late 70's. And I never had a WEP, my issue jackets were a G1 and a CWU 45.

 

[galvestonokie]

As an old-timer, here is a pic of me as a "salty" USMC Corporal just out of Vietnam with VMO-6, as MCAS Futenma, Okinawa. I was never issued a G-1 and seems like i traded for the WEP, even though i had been on flight orders for a while. The WEPs were notoriously short-waisted but i was happy to have one. BTW, we never called them "WEP" jackets, but rather those green nylon jackets. Also, the WEP was warmer at altitude in a Huey gunship with the doors removed.

 

[B-Man2]

As an old-timer, here is a pic of me as a "salty" USMC Corporal just out of Vietnam with VMO-6, as MCAS Futenma, Okinawa. I was never issued a G-1 and seems like i traded for the WEP, even though i had been on flight orders for a while. The WEPs were notoriously short-waisted but i was happy to have one. BTW, we never called them "WEP" jackets, but rather those green nylon jackets. Also, the WEP was warmer at altitude in a Huey gunship with the doors removed.

Great photo! ... especially on Memorial Day.
Thanks for your service.

 

[jrsheairs]

As an old-timer, here is a pic of me as a "salty" USMC Corporal just out of Vietnam with VMO-6, as MCAS Futenma, Okinawa. I was never issued a G-1 and seems like i traded for the WEP, even though i had been on flight orders for a while. The WEPs were notoriously short-waisted but i was happy to have one. BTW, we never called them "WEP" jackets, but rather those green nylon jackets. Also, the WEP was warmer at altitude in a Huey gunship with the doors removed.

I agree! Great photo. Those jackets were short but it didn’t matter over a flight suit. My Avirex was longer than the original so it was fine with Khaki’s underneath. It went just below the belt line. I say again, my favorite jacket to wear with the uniform.

 

[jrsheairs]

No Jorge, I was not in the Vietnam generation, they were the senior pilots and aircrew when I was a pup in the late 70's. And I never had a WEP, my issue jackets were a G1 and a CWU 45.

Where were you stationed to be issued a CWU 45? I got a 36 in Florida.

 

[Phrog Driver]

Where were you stationed to be issued a CWU 45? I got a 36 in Florida.

NAS Fallon Nevada Search and Rescue

 

[Jorgeenriqueaguilera]

Well I did my homework I finally got a private purchased WEP vest from Avirex, it belonged to a former Tomcat pilot, so that makes it cooler to me, and it fits like a keeper.

 

[Ritchy]

I got this lightweight one made by RL, i can sell it if someone could be interested.