Collins' EPACS Challenges Honeywell in F-35 Thermal Management Showdown

The F-35 Lightning II, one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world, is struggling with an unexpected problem: it runs too hot. The growing number of sensors, jammers, and processors on board generate more heat than the jet was designed to handle.

Collins Aerospace, a business unit of RTX, has developed the Enhanced Power and Cooling System (EPACS), a next-generation thermal management system for the F-35. EPACS recently completed altitude testing and demonstrated its ability to cool the aircraft under real-world flight conditions.

Honeywell, the current supplier of the F-35's thermal system, is pushing back with a cheaper, phased upgrade that would increase cooling capacity over two to three years. However, Collins' EPACS has already shown more than double the cooling power in laboratory testing, making it an attractive option for the Pentagon and its international partners.

The competition between Collins and Honeywell is significant because it will determine the future of the F-35's thermal management system. Whoever wins will dictate how much longer the jet can be upgraded with new capabilities.