Collins advances EPACS testing for F-35 upgrade

The power and cooling system demonstrator surpassed key milestones, proving its ability to support next-generation aircraft systems and wider military and commercial applications.

Collins Aerospace has successfully tested a fully functional demonstrator of its Enhanced Power and Cooling System (EPACS), designed to replace the current power and thermal management system (PTMS) on the F-35. The system more than doubles the aircraft’s cooling capacity, ensuring it can support planned upgrades throughout its service life.

This follows Collins' previous demonstration of 80 kilowatts of cooling capacity in 2024. “As the F-35 is modernized with advanced weapons and mission equipment, increased cooling will be required to dissipate all the heat these new systems will generate,” says Henry Brooks, president, Power & Controls for Collins Aerospace. “EPACS can deliver that cooling and with our successful demonstrator test, we stand ready to begin the integration process with Lockheed Martin.”

Collins validated EPACS at its advanced thermal systems development labs, testing performance across various temperatures, pressures, air flow rates and humidities. The system has now reached Technology Readiness Level 6, a key milestone before Engineering & Manufacturing Development.

Beyond the F-35, EPACS could also be applied to future military and commercial aircraft, including sixth-generation fighters and passenger planes requiring more advanced thermal management.