USAF/CIA U-2 Test Pilot "High Visibility" Flight Suit & Coveralls as Worn by Gary Powers

This is an extremely rare United States Air Force / CIA U-2 test pilot "high visibility" flight suit and flight coveralls as worn by Francis Gary Powers while test piloting in the late 1950s and on display at the Smithsonian. Powers, ranked a Captain when discharged from the USAF in 1956, began testing the high altitude Lockheed U-2 (nicknamed "Dragon Lady") reconnaissance aircraft for a joint USAF / CIA operation. He was shot down in May 1960 and remained a Russian prisoner of war for almost two years. Highly criticized for his failure to activate the aircraft's self-destruct button, Powers nonetheless was posthumously awarded several decorations. Powers died in a helicopter crash in 197It is a Size Large Long (please see measurements below).

Circa late 1950s.

Size Large Long: approximately 25-1/2" from armpit to armpit; 62" length from collar to hem leg cuff; 26" from shoulder seam to wrist cuff; 21" between shoulders; 32" inseam.

Nylon.

Zipper with pull and zippered pockets and cuffs; snaps at cuffs and waist.

GN16129G-O3ZZCFO COVERALL, HIGH VISIBILITY SIZE: LARGE LONG DATE OF MFR: 1Q73; TALON on zippers.

This is from a Cold War era United States Air Force flight suit collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. ebay VFAJX13 LCGEJX9/14 SBDIEX5/15

8- (Very Fine-Excellent): The suit is in very nice condition with a few small spots of minor discoloration on reverse of one leg.

As with all my artifacts, this piece is guaranteed to be original, as described.