WINDSOR LOCKS, CT, Aug 25, 2026 – Collins Aerospace has completed altitude testing on the Enhanced Power and Cooling System (EPACS), a next-generation Power and Thermal Management System (PTMS) built for the F-35 fighter jet. The system is designed to increase cooling capacity for the F-35’s power and thermal management needs, and the test confirmed EPACS can deliver the emergency power required during flight operations.
Altitude testing is a step in early development and risk reduction for a new PTMS. Engineers ran EPACS for several days at power levels matching mission requirements, then pushed the system to its operational limits across a range of altitudes to collect performance data. Collins Aerospace said the results validate the system’s performance models.
The added thermal margin is meant to support future technology upgrades on the F-35 over its service life.
“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.”
Source: Collins Aerospace
About Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace, an RTX business based in Charlotte, North Carolina, designs, manufactures and services aerospace and defense systems. Its products include avionics, aerostructures, mission systems, and power and control technologies for commercial aircraft, military aircraft, space systems and connected platforms. The company serves aircraft manufacturers, airlines, defense agencies and business aviation customers. Since 2021, Collins has expanded maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region, including work on electrical power systems, environmental and airframe control systems, and engine control systems. The company employs 150 people in Malaysia and 10,000 people across 24 locations in eight Asia-Pacific countries, including Singapore, China, India, Australia, Japan, Korea and the Philippines. Collins has operated in the region for more than 50 years, providing MRO, manufacturing, engineering, project management and customer support.
