F-35 Thermal Management System Under Fire as Collins Aerospace's EPACS Proves Its Worth
The F-35's thermal management system has become a major concern for its manufacturer, Lockheed Martin. The single-engine jet's high-tech systems generate excessive heat, overloading its cooling capacity and accelerating engine wear.
Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, recently announced the completion of altitude testing for its Enhanced Power and Cooling System (EPACS). This new system demonstrated a cooling capacity of approximately 80 kW in laboratory tests last year, more than double the current Honeywell PTMS.
Honeywell is fighting to retain its position as the F-35's thermal management provider with a phased upgrade plan. The company claims that its software update will increase capacity to around 40 kW within two to three years, avoiding the cost and risk of replacing proven hardware.
The outcome of this contest has significant implications for the F-35's future. Whoever wins will determine how much more life is left in the jet.