The WWII USAAF AN-6505-1 Aviator’s Kit Bag is a high-quality reproduction of the large canvas equipment bag used by United States Army Air Forces flying personnel during the Second World War. The spacious bag was designed for carrying flight equipment, clothing, gloves and other personal kit to and from the aircraft.
This Large version is manufactured from heavy cotton canvas in the characteristic OD3 khaki colour. The wide canvas carrying straps continue underneath the bag, providing additional strength when carrying heavy equipment. Additional canvas reinforcement strips help reduce wear during transport and use around an airfield.
The top of the bag is secured by two chrome-finished Talon zippers which meet in the centre. The two zipper pulls can be connected with a small padlock when required. A canvas protective flap with two metal press studs covers the centre of the zipper opening.
Inside the bag are five flat storage pockets arranged in two rows. The upper row contains three smaller pockets, while the lower row contains two larger pockets. These compartments allow smaller pieces of equipment to be organised without taking up unnecessary space when not in use.
The exterior carries the characteristic marking “Aviator’s Kit Bag AN-6505-1 Property U.S. Government”. The opposite side features the USAAF winged star emblem and the words “Army Air Forces”. These authentic details make the bag particularly suitable for USAAF re-enactment, living history, museum displays and military aviation collections.
Beyond re-enactment use, this robust canvas holdall also makes a practical weekend bag, equipment bag or vintage-style travel bag.
Specifications
- Product type: USAAF Aviator’s Kit Bag
- Model: AN-6505-1
- Version: Large size
- Period: WWII, approximately 1941-1945
- Service: United States Army Air Forces
- Material: heavy cotton canvas
- Colour: OD3 khaki / tan
- Base dimensions: approximately 56 × 33 cm
- Height: approximately 44 cm
- Closure: two chrome-finished Talon zippers
- Additional closure: canvas protective flap with two press studs
- Interior: five flat storage pockets
- Upper row: three smaller pockets
- Lower row: two larger pockets
- Carrying handles: two heavy canvas straps continuing underneath the bag
- Markings: AN-6505-1 Property U.S. Government and USAAF Army Air Forces logo
- Condition: newly manufactured reproduction
- Product number: DWT-SF1840
Recommended combination
Combine this USAAF kit bag with an A-2 Flight Jacket, B-10 or B-15 Flight Jacket, flying gloves, goggles and other USAAF equipment to create a convincing flight crew display. Its generous size also makes it suitable for carrying clothing and equipment to re-enactment events.
Would you like to view this item? Our shop and storage location in Papendrecht can be visited by appointment only.
Historical context
The AN-6505-1 Aviator’s Kit Bag was used during WWII by flying personnel to transport their personal flight equipment to the aircraft. Its large opening allowed bulky clothing, accessories and other essential equipment to be packed and removed quickly.
On operational airfields, these bags were used not only by pilots but also by other members of aircraft and cockpit crews. Many original bags were personalised with names, service numbers, squadron markings or hand-painted unit artwork. As a result, a standard equipment bag often became a highly recognisable and personal part of an airman’s kit.
The strong canvas construction, reinforced carrying straps and internal storage pockets made the bag suitable for intensive use around hangars, vehicles and aircraft. Today, the AN-6505-1 remains a distinctive part of USAAF flight crew displays and military aviation collections.
