F-35A Lightning II Night Flight

An F-35A Lightning II is photographed on the flight line at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, July 30, 2020. The Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System provides pilots with situational awareness in a sphere around the aircraft for enhanced missile warning, aircraft warning, and day/night pilot vision. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Heather Leveille)

F-35A Lightning II Night Flight

An F-35A Lightning II flies through the sky at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, July 30, 2020. The F-35’s engine produces 43,000 pounds of thrust and consists of a three-stage fan, a six-stage compressor, an annular combustor, a single-stage high-pressure turbine, and a two-stage low-pressure turbine. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Heather Leveille)

F-35A Lightning II Night Flight

An F-35A Lightning II pilot prepares for a night flight at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, July 30, 2020. During this iteration of the pilot training syllabus, the night flying portion was stretched later into evening hours than in the past, allowing for more qualifications to be checked off across fewer days. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Heather Leveille)

F-35A Lightning II Night Flight

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kyle Alverez, 33rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, stands by during a preflight inspection at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, July 30, 2020. Crew chiefs ensure the aircraft is ready to fly at a moment’s notice so pilots can safely and effectively complete their mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Heather Leveille)

F-35A Lightning II Night Flight

An F-35A Lightning II is photographed on the flight line at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, July 30, 2020. Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System provides pilots with situational awareness in a sphere around the aircraft for enhanced missile warning, aircraft warning, and day/night pilot vision. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Heather Leveille)

F-35A Lightning II Night Flight

An F-35A Lightning II takes off at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, July 30, 2020. Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System provides pilots with situational awareness in a sphere around the aircraft for enhanced missile warning, aircraft warning, and day/night pilot vision. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Heather Leveille)

Photos: F-35 Lightning II night flight

Published Aug. 5, 2020
By Airman 1st Class Heather Leveille
33rd Fighter Wing

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --

The 58th Fighter Squadron completed late night flying training at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, July 27-30, 2020. Night flying is conducted to meet training requirements for student pilots who will routinely fly day and night operations in the combat Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photos by Airman 1st Class Heather Leveille)