
These pilots really have their heads in the clouds.

These perfectly timed photographs show an F-22 fighter jet as it speeds through the sky.

A combination of temperature, speed and air pressure can cause clouds to form around the jets, which have been captured in stunning detail.

These perfectly timed photographs show an F-22 fighter jet (pictured) as it speeds through the sky. A combination of temperature, speed and air pressure can cause clouds to form around the jets, which have been captured in stunning detail

CLOUD FORMATION The condensation clouds that form on supersonic jets are often mistaken for a visual manifestation of the sonic boom that occurs when travelling at high speeds. They are actually caused by a process that quickly brings water vapour in the air to temperatures at which it can condense. There is less pressure on the upper side of the plane's wings, an effect which is heightened while it is performing high g-force manoeuvres. This causes the temperature to quickly drop, which allows the water droplets to condense into clouds. Advertisement

The pictures were taken by professional photographer James Winters, 53, from Miami, Florida, from the top of an 18-storey building.

Mr Winters was waiting for fighter jets taking part in the Memorial Day Air Show in Melbourne, Florida, to pass overhead.

He used a home-made shoulder mounted support for his camera to capture the incredibly detailed shots of one of the speeding aircraft.

The images show the moment water in the air is vaporised by the planes, creating the miniature clouds.

Mr Winters said: 'I shot the pictures from a roof on the 18-storey, which is perfect for getting at eye-level with the pilots.

'From there you can get the best shots of the jets as they start to break the sound barrier.

'The fluff or vapour around the jets is a kind of cloud caused by temperature, pressure, and the aircraft flying very close to the speed of sound.

'I enjoy aviation photography because it is challenging and competitive, and those are both things I love.

'I built a special support for my camera that increases the number of quality pictures I can take.'

The pictures were taken by professional photographer James Winters, 53, from Miami, Florida, from the top of an 18-storey building in Melbourne, Florida, during the city's Memorial Day Air Show

He used a home-made shoulder mounted support for his camera to capture the incredibly detailed shots of the speeding supersonic jet

The images show the moment water in the air is vaporised by the plane, creating the miniature clouds

The condensation clouds that form on supersonic jets are often mistaken for a visual manifestation of the sonic boom that occurs when travelling at high speeds. They are actually caused by a process that quickly brings water vapour in the air to temperatures at which it can condense

There is less pressure on the upper side of the plane's wings, an effect which is heightened while it is performing high g-force manoeuvres. This causes the temperature to quickly drop, which allows the water droplets to condense into clouds