During preproduction of King of the Rocket Men, the writers had a
completely different vision for the flying suit. The original draft described it as, 'a man-sized fabric suit, vaguely resembling a diver's outfit, and complete with skull-tight helmet and wide-view goggles. Material, suggesting a bat's wings, is fastened to the length of each arm and attached to the body sides, creating a webbed effect. A broad belt encircles the waistline, from
which hangs a square-shaped holster containing an odd looking weapon to be identified later as a sonic gun. Attached to the front of the flying suit, with
two straps that fit over the shoulders, is a compact jet propulsion tube and fuel tank, equipped with a small control panel whose several dials and operating
buttons would be visible to the wearer.'
The MA-1 flight jacket is perhaps the most popular clothing item ever designed for the United States military forces.
It was first developed in the late 1940's. A new flight jacket was needed at that time because the emergence of the jet age created new requirements for pilot comfort and safety. Prior to the invention of the jet aircraft,
fleece-lined leather jackets were issued to flight personnel. However, the new jets could fly at much higher altitudes and in much colder temperatures than
propeller aircraft. When the heavy, bulky leather jackets became wet from rain or perspiration, the water would freeze at high altitudes, making the jackets cold and uncomfortable. In addition, new jets were more streamlined in design and their cockpits were cramped. Speedy, unimpeded access to and from the cockpits became even more critical for safety. Rather than the bulky leather
jacket, a sleek, more lightweight and warm jacket was needed for this new jet technology.
