Raytheon Technologies’ Collins Aerospace business has demonstrated 80 kilowatts of cooling capacity for its EPACS positioning itself as a replacement for the current PTMS in the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, supporting modernization.
Raytheon Technologies’ Collins Aerospace business has achieved a significant milestone by demonstrating 80 kilowatts of cooling capacity for its Enhanced Power and Cooling System (EPACS). This achievement is part of Collins Aerospace’s efforts to position EPACS as a replacement for the current power and thermal management system (PTMS) in the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, with a focus on supporting modernization and future upgrades for the aircraft.
EPACS aims to more than double the F-35’s current cooling capability, addressing the limitations of the existing PTMS, which is considered overtasked, leading to increased wear on the engine. The Government Accountability Office has highlighted the challenges faced by the F-35’s cooling system, necessitating an upgrade to meet the demands of additional mission systems and emerging threats.
“The F-35 is a mainstay of allied forces around the world,” said Henry Brooks, president, Power & Controls, Collins Aerospace. “In order to modernize the platform with advanced systems to counter emerging threats, a significantly enhanced cooling capability is required. Through its more efficient thermodynamic cycle, EPACS can deliver the increased cooling the F-35 needs and help extend the life of the aircraft for decades to come,” he further added.
The F-35 Joint Program Office recently posted a Request for Information (RFI) with an expanded PTMS cooling capacity objective of 80 kilowatts. EPACS is positioned as a mature, low-risk solution, leveraging proven technologies and compatibility with all three F-35 platform variants to minimize integration and operational risks.
“Our service members urgently need an upgraded cooling and management system on the F-35 to keep pace with continuous modernization of the aircraft’s capabilities,” said Joe Courtney (CT-02), Rep, U.S. “The EPACS 80 kW cooling capacity achievement demonstrates a critical milestone that will rapidly enable vital F-35 warfighting capabilities while resulting in substantial cost savings to the taxpayer.”
Collins Aerospace, a business unit of Raytheon Technologies, is a global leader in providing integrated solutions for the aerospace and defense industry. With a focus on advancing technologies, the company is committed to delivering sustainable and connected aviation, passenger safety, mission success, and space exploration.
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Raytheon Technologies, the world’s largest aerospace and defense company, comprises industry-leading businesses such as Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. With a global workforce of over 185,000 employees, the company is dedicated to pushing the limits of technology to redefine how we connect and protect the world. In 2023, Raytheon Technologies reported sales of $68.9 billion and is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.
Question- What is the cooling capacity of the EPACS system?
Answer- The EPACS system has demonstrated a cooling capacity of 80 kilowatts, more than double the current F-35 system.
Question- Why is a new cooling system needed for the F-35?
Answer- The existing PTMS is considered overtasked and struggles to meet the demands of modern mission systems and potential future upgrades. Increased cooling capacity is crucial for future modernization and extended aircraft lifespan.
Question- What are the benefits of using EPACS on the F-35?
Answer- EPACS offers significantly improved cooling, potential cost savings due to its mature and low-risk design, and compatibility with all F-35 variants, minimizing integration challenges.
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