Original Item: Only One Available. Development of protective flight uniforms and equipment began with the advent of military aircraft in WWI and continued on into the Weimar and the Third Reich eras, resulting in three distinct one-piece combination pattern flight suits being approved before WWII and worn for the duration of the war with minor modifications. Regulations of July 4th, 1940 and April 24th, 1941 introduced two piece protective flight suits for fighter pilots designed to increase the wearers mobility and not be as restrictive in the close confines of a cockpit. The two piece flight suits consist of separate jacket and pants and were commonly referred to as the "Kanalanzug", (Channel Uniform).

Here we have a lovely pair of Luftwaffe heavy fur-lined "channel trousers" flight pants in very good lightly used condition. They have a lovely dark Luftwaffe blue exterior, which is made up of a mixture of cotton and what feels like suede, along with some leather fittings in areas. There is a label on the underside of the waist closure tab, which is marked with size 2C and R.B. Nr. 0/0350/0045, which we have not been able to identify.

The metal zippers on the fly, leg closures, and hip pockets are all ZIPP brand, with D.R.P. on the reverse, a known supplier of zippers to the Luftwaffe during WWII. The bakelite zipper on the left leg is Ri-Ri marked, another known Luftwaffe supplier. We checked the snaps, and all look to be PRYM / 6 marked, made from galvanized steel. We have seen this same marking on many other Luftwaffe items. All of the zipper are functional and retain their leather tabs, and the snaps all seem to be functional, though some are difficult to open and have the male side pulling out from the fabric.

The flying pants feature a zipper down front with snap closure at waist, which also has a very nice integral belt with a sliding buckle. The bottoms of both legs have long zippers on the interior side for more easily being fitted over boots. There are lots of pockets on the pants, many of which have internal pockets and other fittings for various piece of equipment, probably at least one for a knife, in case of a bail out. There is even a built in holster on the right side. The interior is fully lined with fur, and the waist area has buttons and some small straps for suspenders. The only deficiency we noted was that one of the two bakelite buttons at the top of the fly closure has torn off.

A really great set of these hard to find Luftwaffe "channel pants", ready to add to your collection and display!