Collins Aerospace F-35 EPACS achieves Technology Readiness Level 6

Collins Aerospace's EPACS. Although intended for the F-35, the technologies developed have broader applications. (Collins Aerospace)

Collins Aerospace's solution to replace the Lockheed Martin F-35's Power and Thermal Management System (PTMS), which the company calls Enhanced Power and Cooling System (EPACS), has demonstrated its ability to handle the aircraft's projected future electrical generation and cooling requirements, Henry Brooks, the company's president for Power and Controls, told Janes on 28 February in advance of the 2025 Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) Warfare Symposium.

The Honeywell-built PTMS that currently equips the F-35 can handle up to 30 kW of power, but it is considered insufficient for future needs. Future F-35 configurations that equip the aircraft with more demanding hardware and software are forecast to raise power demands to 80 kW.

“We did have to solve some technical issues to make sure that this one worked well, but we've demonstrated it in the lab at 80 [kW], and in some cases, more than 80 kilowatts,” Brooks said. “We feel that if we do this 80 [kW] and get it done and implement it, it'll take the F-35 out to the end of its useful life, and it also has good technology that can be applied to the sixth-generation fighter as well.”

Brooks declined to disclose EPACS' specifications, citing likely competition.

Replacing PTMS is expected to be a competitive bid, to be decided by Lockheed Martin and the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO). Although officials from both Lockheed Martin and the F-35 JPO have visited Collins Aerospace's test stand, Lockheed Martin's F-35 general manager, Chauncey McIntosh, told Janes on 3 March that the company is engaged in a two-year trade study to determine the requirements for PTMS replacements, and not to expect a decision soon.