RTX's Collins Aerospace EPACS power and thermal management system ready for aircraft integration

Rhea-AI Summary

Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, has achieved a significant milestone in testing its Enhanced Power and Cooling System (EPACS), a next-generation power and thermal management system. The system, designed to replace the F-35's current PTMS, demonstrates more than double the cooling capacity of existing solutions.

Following the 2024 announcement of EPACS achieving 80 kilowatts of cooling capacity, the system has now reached Technology Readiness Level 6. Collins has invested heavily in thermal systems development labs to validate EPACS performance across various operational conditions, positioning it for the Engineering & Manufacturing Development phase once a competition is launched.

The technology's dual-use capability makes it suitable for both military applications, including sixth-generation fighters, and commercial aircraft, addressing the increasing cooling demands of modern aviation systems.

Positive

• Successfully tested next-gen PTMS with doubled cooling capacity
• Achieved Technology Readiness Level 6, ready for integration
• Potential market expansion to commercial aviation sector
• Strategic positioning for F-35 upgrade contract opportunity

Negative

• Competition for F-35 PTMS replacement not yet launched
• Significant investment required in development labs

Technology will provide increased cooling to enable enhanced capabilities on F-35 and future defense and commercial aircraft  

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn., Feb. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Collins Aerospace, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, has successfully tested a fully functional demonstrator of its next-generation power and thermal management system (PTMS). Targeted as a replacement to the F-35's current PTMS, Collins' Enhanced Power and Cooling System (EPACS) will provide more than double the platform's current cooling capacity—enough to support planned upgrades for the life of the aircraft. This latest milestone follows Collins' announcement in 2024 that EPACS had successfully demonstrated 80 kilowatts of cooling capacity. 

"As the F-35 is modernized with advanced weapons and mission equipment, increased cooling will be required to dissipate all the heat these new systems will generate," said Henry Brooks, president, Power & Controls for Collins Aerospace. "EPACS can deliver that cooling and with our successful demonstrator test, we stand ready to begin the integration process with Lockheed Martin and help service members meet their urgent mission requirements."  

Collins has invested millions into state-of-the-art thermal systems development labs, allowing engineers to simulate relevant, real-world combat aircraft conditions. Using these labs, Collins validated the EPACS demonstrator's performance across a range of temperatures, pressures, air flow rates and humidities to achieve Technology Readiness Level 6. Most customers typically require this level of maturity for a new technology before entering the Engineering & Manufacturing Development phase, which would be the next step for EPACS, once a competition to replace the current F-35 PTMS has been launched and a winner has been selected.  

In addition to F-35, as a dual-use technology, EPACS technologies could be applied to a range of future military and commercial aircraft, including sixth-generation fighters and passenger planes. Much like combat aircraft, passenger planes are incorporating newer, more power-hungry technologies that require more robust thermal management systems like EPACS.  

About RTX
RTX is the world's largest aerospace and defense company. With more than 185,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems for operational success, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2024 sales of more than $80 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-ready-for-aircraft-integration-302387977.html

SOURCE RTX

FAQ

What cooling capacity improvement does RTX's EPACS offer for the F-35?

EPACS provides more than double the current cooling capacity of the F-35's existing power and thermal management system.

What technology readiness level has RTX's EPACS achieved in 2025?

EPACS has achieved Technology Readiness Level 6, meeting typical customer requirements for entering Engineering & Manufacturing Development phase.

How much cooling capacity did RTX's EPACS demonstrate in 2024?

EPACS demonstrated 80 kilowatts of cooling capacity in 2024.

What additional applications are planned for RTX's EPACS technology?

EPACS technology can be applied to sixth-generation fighters and commercial passenger planes requiring robust thermal management.