The history of the military uniform of the Russian Air Force goes back to Tsarist Russia. Over the century of its existence, the form has changed many times almost beyond recognition. The main historical guidelines in the formation of modern Air Force uniforms are as follows:
- 1910 - formation of the Air Force of the Russian Empire;
- 1918 - creation of the air force of the Russian Soviet Republic;
- 1939 – 1945 - The Great Patriotic War;
- 1945-1990s – Cold War;
- 1992 – reform of the Russian Armed Forces;
- 2009 – introduction of the form created by V. Yudashkin;
- 2013 – Russian Defense Minister S. Shoigu introduced a new Air Force uniform.
Uniforms of the Air Force of the Russian Empire
Initially, aviation was classified as an engineering force. Consequently, the uniforms were engineering ones, although with minor differences - black cloth and silver buttons. The aviation uniform received its own appearance only in 1914, just before the First World War.
The aviator uniforms were brownish in color, and the squad number was indicated by Roman numerals on the epaulettes. Leather jackets and helmets were used for flying. In the summer version, the leather jacket could be replaced with a linen one. The aviators had combat and non-combat uniforms in protective shades at their disposal.
USSR Air Force uniform
In 1922, Order No. 322 clearly regulated the uniforms of employees of the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army of each branch of the military. At the same time, forty emblems of branches and types of troops were approved, two of which belonged to the air force.
In those days, aviation was not separated into a separate unit of the Armed Forces of the Soviet Union, but was a branch of the Red Army troops. In 1924, the color of the military aviators' uniform was changed to blue. In its cut, the aviator uniform differed little from the uniform of the ground forces. The only difference was the color of the buttonholes and piping - they were blue. Subsequently, the shoulder straps also became blue.
In 1935, Soviet pilots received new buttonholes with a gold field and black piping for political workers, soldiers and junior officers, and blue for officers. On the buttonholes there were insignia - enamel red diamonds, rectangles, squares and rectangles (introduced into use in 1924) and the aviation emblem - a winged propeller.
Also in 1935, gold and red chevrons were introduced. Initially, gold chevrons were intended for generals, and red ones for officers. But in 1940, there was a change in the uniform regulations, as a result of which generals began to wear one wide gold color, emphasized by a red stripe at the bottom. A gold star was placed on top of such a chevron. Officers received chevrons of red and gold stripes.
Air Force demobilization uniform
Some young people who have not served in the army often ask the question: how does the Air Force demobilization uniform differ from similar uniforms of other branches of the military, and when is the Air Force demobilization uniform issued? The answer to this question can be that the demobilization uniform of the Air Force (as well as other branches of the military) is the work of the soldier himself, who sews it in accordance with his tastes, although there are unspoken rules that control the “revelry” of the demobilization fantasy.
When sewing an Air Force demobilization uniform, you need to follow several rules:
- All insignia should be placed not in a chaotic order, but at least approximately in accordance with generally accepted norms;
- You should not turn the demobilization uniform into a carnival costume; excessive pretentiousness can only cause laughter, poisoning the demobilization person’s joy of returning to civilian life;
- While working, you should be careful; if you don’t have at least basic sewing skills, it’s better to ask your comrades for help or buy a demobilization uniform in a store, fortunately this is not a problem now.
The standard demobilization uniform, which is sold in various stores selling military paraphernalia, consists of the following elements:
- Air Force piping jacket;
- Trousers;
- Chevrons and shoulder straps made of blue velvet;
- Aiguillette;
- Beret;
- Gold coats of arms on shoulder straps and flaps.
In any case, the demobilization uniform will turn the soldier’s return to civilian life into a real holiday.
Air Force uniform from Yudashkin
In 2007, the government allocated 170 million rubles to create a new model of military uniform from Valentin Yudashkin. After two years of development, this form was adopted in 2009. But after existing for three years, in 2012, it was abolished by the decision of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. According to his newest project, the uniform of all branches of the military will be similar to the uniform of the Ministry of Emergency Situations employees.
USSR Air Force uniform
Office uniform for military personnel
Blue military uniform, which troops had such uniforms in the Soviet Union? This color of clothing was worn by aviation and KGB units. During the Soviet era, the costume of privates and air force officers was modified frequently, sometimes radically. For the first time, quartermasters issued a complete set of winter and summer uniforms to Red Army pilots in 1922. Two years later it included:
- French jacket of the established cut for soldiers and command staff;
- general-arms tunic;
- army overcoat.
The buttonholes, trimmed with red edging, were blue. The outfit was completed with a dark blue cap or cap with a Red Army star on the band.
Information about the further evolution of the uniform in 1924-1969 can be easily gleaned from the following table:
| Photo | Year of introduction | Innovations |
| Red Army Air Force fighter, 1924 | 1924 | The basic set of the 1922 model has been improved |
| Sample uniform 1925 | 1925 | The cut of the jacket has been improved, the color of the helmet and overcoat has been changed, a shirt, tie, breeches, cap, shoes or boots have been added |
| 1935 | Breeches and trousers began to be painted in a rich blue color, a winter insulated tunic was added, wearing a belt with it became mandatory |
| 1943 | The field uniform of the flight personnel acquired a khaki color at the beginning of the war, and this year shoulder straps returned to the tunics |
| 1949 | The changes affected the senior command staff. The jacket became double-breasted and fastened with three coat of arms buttons. For senior officers, the mandatory wearing of daggers with their ceremonial uniform was introduced. The bands of the caps of Air Force generals, decorated with gold embroidery |
| 1969 | A complete replacement of uniforms was carried out in all branches of the military. The cut of the jackets of conscript soldiers and Air Force officers has changed. A uniform made of half-woolen fabric appeared. Ceremonial belts turned white. Uniforms for warrant officers introduced |
After the 1969 reform, there were no radical changes in the appearance of aviation uniforms, with one small exception. Air Force special forces began to be equipped with camouflage uniforms and comfortable combat boots instead of lightweight boots. The technical uniform of the Air Force for service personnel - "technicians" - has changed slightly.
Air Force uniform for today
Uniforms for cadets and enlisted personnel
The summer version of the office uniform consists of a blue suit, a white T-shirt, a field cap, black high-top boots, black socks and a field cap. The winter version of the office uniform consists of a camouflage suit and T-shirt (T-shirt), a muffler and protective coat, a camouflage field cap, black boots or low shoes with black socks and camouflage gloves. In service, the uniform is completed with a black belt. Stripes on summer military uniforms are always placed on the left sleeve, on the outside. Stripes should only be placed on the jacket or coat.
Officer's uniform
The summer casual uniform consists of a blue jacket and trousers, and a blue shirt. Under the shirt goes a black tie with the obligatory gold tack. A blue or protective cap serves as a headdress. Shoes are required in black boots, low shoes or ankle boots with black socks. The uniform for the form is equipped with a black belt.
In winter, the uniform of Air Force officers consists of trousers and a blue or khaki jacket. Under the suit, a khaki or blue shirt with a black tie and gold pin is required. The outerwear is a gray or blue coat with a gray hat with earflaps. Gloves must be black. Under the coat - a protective or blue muffler. Shoes – low shoes, shoes or boots with black socks. The uniform for the formation is complemented by a black belt.
The charter allows the wearing of caps, caps or berets, raincoats and jackets in khaki or blue. In the winter version of the uniform, instead of a jacket, you can wear a blue or khaki sweater.
Senior officers uniform
The main difference between the winter uniform of senior officers is the presence of a gray astrakhan detachable collar and a gray hat.
Uniform for female military personnel
The summer casual uniform of female military personnel consists of a skirt and jacket in blue or khaki, a blouse in khaki or blue, and a tie with a gold tack. As a headdress - a blue or protective cap. Shoes – shoes or boots of black or flesh color.
The winter office uniform is complemented by a khaki or blue muffler and a khaki coat. Headdress – gray astrakhan beret. The coat colors of officers and warrant officers are blue and gray.
Russian Air Force uniform after Sergei Shoigu's reform
According to Shoigu's reform, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation introduced a new standard for uniforms. In addition to the military uniform, office uniforms were developed for department employees. All office uniforms must be the same for both military and civilian employees. The entire uniform is produced in three colors:
By the color of the uniform, you can determine which branch of the military the department employee belongs to.
The officer's casual summer uniform consists of the following elements:
- Blue jacket;
- Blue trousers;
- Blue shirt;
- A black tie must be worn with a gold clip;
- Blue or khaki cap;
- Black boots or ankle boots;
- Black belt.
In addition, the charter does not prohibit the wearing of various caps, berets and caps. In this case, there is only one mandatory condition - they must be blue or khaki. You can also wear raincoats and jackets of the same colors.
The dress uniform of Air Force officers these days is the most different from the uniform of other troops, so it is worth considering it in more detail:
- The summer uniform consists of a sea green tunic and trousers, a white shirt with a black tie, and a gold stud. Caps, whose color should match the color of the uniform. Black boots and a golden belt, which is worn during formations;
- The winter officer's uniform is necessarily complemented by a blue or gray coat, a white muffler and gloves, which can be either white or black.
The dress uniform of generals and marshals differs from the officers' uniform by the presence of a collar and a hat. These clothing items are made only in gray. Astrakhan fur is used for their production.
Air Force dress uniform
Uniforms for cadets and enlisted personnel
The summer dress uniform of enlisted personnel consists of a blue or khaki suit, underneath which is a khaki shirt and a black tie with a gold tack. A khaki woolen cap serves as a headdress. Shoes – black boots or low shoes with black socks.
The winter dress uniform of enlisted personnel, in addition to a suit and shirt, includes a khaki coat and muffler, a gray fur hat with earflaps and black gloves. In summer, instead of a cap, it is permissible to wear a beret. In winter it can be used instead of a hat.
Officer uniform
The summer version of the officer's uniform consists of a blue jacket and trousers, a white shirt with a black tie and a gold pin. The cap must match the color of the suit. Shoes – black boots or low shoes with black socks. For construction, a golden belt is worn.
The winter ceremonial officer uniform is complemented by a gray or blue coat, a white muffler and black or white gloves. The headdress is a gray fur hat with earflaps. Shoes – black shoes, low shoes or boots. Berets or outerwear in blue or khaki colors are allowed to be worn.
The ceremonial uniform of senior officers is, in general, the same as that of other officers. The difference is a gray patched astrakhan collar and a gray hat.
Uniform for female military personnel
Summer ceremonial clothing for female enlisted military personnel does not differ from everyday clothing. The outer suit of warrant officers and officers is blue. Underneath is a white blouse. The uniform for the formation is complemented by a black belt for rank and file and a golden belt for officers.
The winter version of the officers' dress uniform is complemented by a white muffler; the colors of officer coats are gray and blue. The officer's skirt and jacket are blue, the blouse is white, and that of the rank and file is protective. Soldiers and cadets wear khaki coats. Headdress – gray astrakhan beret. The uniform for the formation is complemented by a belt, black for rank and file, golden for officers and warrant officers.
Video about the Air Force
Summer option
The ceremonial version of the uniform of military personnel of the Russian Aerospace Forces, for cadets and enlisted personnel, of the summer type is a suit.
It can be blue or khaki. Under his tunic, a private is required to wear a shirt of the same color, complemented by a tie with a gold tack. Officers are expected to wear a jacket and trousers of the same colors in combination with a white shirt and black tie. The cap of a VKS serviceman must be matched to the color of the suit. The set should include a gold belt. The field version of the uniform for privates and cadets of the VKS, abbreviated as VKPO, is no different from the uniform version for the ground forces. The kit should include the following clothing items:
- short sleeve underwear;
- jacket with trousers;
- summer boots;
- cap;
- nude summer T-shirt.
Find out: What military ranks were there in the USSR army, what shoulder straps did the soldiers wear?
The office uniform for military personnel of the Russian Aerospace Forces differs in color from the uniform of other branches of the military. For military personnel of the military space forces it is blue. Otherwise, in style and details, it is similar to the uniform of other troops. Stripes and shoulder straps are issued in accordance with the serviceman's type of troops and his ranks.
