RTX's Collins Aerospace EPACS power and thermal management system completes altitude testing

Rhea-AI Summary

RTX (NYSE: RTX) announced that its Collins Aerospace business has successfully completed altitude testing of the Enhanced Power and Cooling System (EPACS), a next-generation Power and Thermal Management System for the F-35.

EPACS is designed to deliver significantly increased cooling capacity and critical thermal margin to support current and planned advanced mission systems on the F-35 and future defense and commercial aircraft. The system was operated for several days at power levels replicating mission requirements and pushed to operational limits across various altitudes to validate performance models and demonstrate emergency power delivery. This milestone follows Collins’ 2025 announcement that EPACS met requirements for aircraft integration. RTX reported more than $88 billion in 2025 sales and is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

Positive

• EPACS altitude testing completed, validating performance under mission-representative power and altitude conditions
• System supports future F-35 upgrades by providing increased cooling capacity and thermal margin for advanced mission systems

Negative

• None.

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Technology will deliver greater cooling capacity to support advanced mission systems on the F-35 and future defense and commercial aircraft.  

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn., Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Collins Aerospace, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, successfully completed altitude testing of its next generation Power and Thermal Management System (PTMS), the Enhanced Power and Cooling System (EPACS).

Designed to enhance the F-35's power and thermal management, the EPACS system delivers significantly increased cooling capacity to meet the demands of today and tomorrow. By providing the critical thermal margin required to support planned technology upgrades, EPACS ensures the F-35 remains at the cutting edge of performance throughout its entire lifecycle.

"Successful altitude testing validates system performance in real-world flight conditions," says Ira Grimmett, vice president, Environmental & Airframe Control Systems for Power & Controls at Collins Aerospace. "Completing this phase of testing advances EPACS maturity and reinforces confidence in the system's capability and performance."   

Altitude testing is a critical element of early development and risk reduction for a new PTMS. The system was run for several days at power levels replicating mission requirements. It was pushed to operational limits in various altitudes to collect performance data and demonstrate that EPACS can deliver the emergency power expected during operation. This test validates system performance models.    

This latest milestone follows Collins' announcement in 2025 that EPACS met requirements for aircraft integration.  

About Collins Aerospace    
Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, is a leader in integrated and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Our 80,000 employees are dedicated to delivering future-focused technologies to advance sustainable and connected aviation, passenger safety and comfort, mission success, space exploration, and more.    

About RTX   
With more than 180,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. With industry-leading capabilities, we advance aviation, engineer integrated defense systems for operational success, and develop next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2025 sales of more than $88 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.      

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com.    

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rtxs-collins-aerospace-epacs-power-and-thermal-management-system-completes-altitude-testing-302857686.html

SOURCE RTX

FAQ

What did RTX (RTX) announce about Collins Aerospace EPACS on August 24, 2026?

RTX announced that Collins Aerospace completed altitude testing of its Enhanced Power and Cooling System (EPACS) for the F-35. According to RTX, the tests validated system performance under mission-representative power levels and altitudes and demonstrated the ability to deliver expected emergency power.

How does the Collins Aerospace EPACS system benefit the F-35 according to RTX?

EPACS is designed to provide significantly increased cooling capacity and critical thermal margin for the F-35’s mission systems. According to RTX, this supports planned technology upgrades and helps keep the aircraft at the cutting edge of performance throughout its lifecycle.

What was validated by the EPACS altitude testing completed by Collins Aerospace?

The altitude testing validated EPACS performance models and confirmed operation at power levels replicating mission requirements. According to RTX, the system was pushed to operational limits at various altitudes to show it can deliver the emergency power expected during operation.

Is the Collins Aerospace EPACS system ready for integration on the F-35?

EPACS has previously met requirements for aircraft integration, according to RTX. The newly completed altitude testing advances system maturity further by validating performance in flight-like conditions, supporting its role in F-35 power and thermal management upgrades.

Will EPACS from Collins Aerospace be used beyond the F-35 program?

EPACS is intended to support advanced mission systems on the F-35 and future defense and commercial aircraft. According to RTX, the technology aims to deliver greater cooling capacity and thermal management for a range of next-generation platforms.

How large is RTX, the parent of Collins Aerospace, based on 2025 results?

RTX reported more than $88 billion in sales for 2025 and employs over 180,000 people globally. According to RTX, Collins Aerospace contributes with about 80,000 employees focused on aerospace and defense technologies.