Honeywell Aerospace and Aeronamic have established a Modular Test Cell at Woensdrecht Air Support Command in the Netherlands, enabling regional testing of F-35 Power and Thermal Management System (PTMS) turbomachines.
The new capability marks a step in developing Honeywell Aerospace’s PTMS turbomachine repair capability for regional F-35 operators. Honeywell led the test cell’s development and integration, while Aeronamic contributes its maintenance, repair and overhaul expertise.
The facility is intended to reduce turnaround times and logistics requirements by enabling testing closer to European F-35 operators, supporting the availability of critical aircraft systems.
Regional testing strengthens F-35 component support
The PTMS integrates multiple aircraft systems into a single solution to manage power and thermal requirements. Establishing an in-region test capability provides a dedicated facility for evaluating turbomachines associated with the system as part of the regional sustainment network.
Ryan Lees, vice president and general manager of Air & Thermal Controls at Honeywell Aerospace, said, “This milestone reflects our continued commitment to supporting F-35 operators with advanced sustainment solutions that improve readiness and efficiency. Facilitating in-region testing of PTMS turbomachines reduces turnaround times and quickly restores critical systems while strengthening local capability and capacity – which is a key element of our international defence strategy.”
Aeronamic will support the facility through its regional MRO expertise. The collaboration is intended to strengthen local technical capacity and expand the infrastructure available to support F-35 operators across Europe.
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Building European F-35 sustainment capacity
The Modular Test Cell builds on Honeywell Aerospace and Aeronamic’s wider collaboration to develop regional F-35 support infrastructure. Moving testing closer to operators can reduce the need to transport components to more distant facilities, although actual turnaround and cost benefits will depend on repair scope and operating arrangements.
Steffen de Vries, chief executive officer of Aeronamic, said, “We are proud to expand our collaboration with Honeywell Aerospace and support the sustainment of F-35 aircraft in Europe. Establishing this capability at Woensdrecht Air Support Command strengthens regional support for operators and reinforces the Netherlands’ role in the F-35 sustainment network.”
The new facility adds a regional testing capability to the F-35 support network, with Honeywell’s system expertise and Aeronamic’s MRO experience supporting the development of local component sustainment capacity.
