A-3 Harness

The A-3 was adopted in order to suspend the wearer from the shoulders and place the pack out of the way of the airman while under canopy. Originally developed in late 1942, the improved A-3 featured full length risers which folded neatly across the shoulder with attachment hooks at the chest. When the parachute deployed, the force of the opening shock broke the tacking, releasing the risers and bringing the empty pack several feet above the user’s head.   In May 1944, harnesses received yellow chest markings to indicate the hardware combination; many were never marked. The A-3 first saw operational use in the ETO around early 1944, but it was not until the third quarter of 1944 that it all but replaced the AN-6513.

For the companion A-3 pack, click here

Our reproductions are faithfully copied from the original patterns with full length risers and optional D-rings for mounting a life raft in accordance with T.O. 13-5-37. Unlike the AN-6513, the A-3 harness was originally sized larger and will fit most individuals.  The harness markings are available in three styles: unmarked, yellow painted, or with a yellow strip of cotton webbing. We suggest the unmarked or yellow painted.

Standard Price: $397 (Email us  to order)