Collins completes altitude testing of EPACS as potential F-35 cooling fix

Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX, has announced the completion of altitude testing for its Enhanced Power and Cooling System (EPACS), moving a potential solution for the F-35's power and thermal management problem closer to maturity.

The system is intended as a potential replacement for the current system, and has demonstrated 80kW of cooling, more than double its present capacity.

Ira Grimmett, vice-president of Environmental & Airframe Control Systems for Power & Controls at Collins Aerospace, said: "Completing this phase of testing advances EPACS maturity and reinforces confidence in the system's capability and performance."

A 2023 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report noted that the F-35's existing cooling system is overtasked, increasing engine wear and adding $38 billion in maintenance costs.