Collins Aerospace, a unit of RTX, has completed altitude testing for the Enhanced Power and Cooling System (EPACS) designed for the F-35 fighter jet. The system underwent several days of evaluation at varying altitudes to validate its performance under operational flight conditions.
The tests assessed the EPACS’s ability to deliver emergency power and meet mission requirements across different power levels, while also providing enhanced cooling capacity for the F-35’s power and thermal management needs. The system had previously met integration requirements in 2025, according to Collins Aerospace.
Ira Grimmett, vice president of Environmental & Airframe Control Systems for Power & Controls at Collins Aerospace, stated that successful altitude testing confirms the system’s performance in real-world flight conditions. He added that completing this phase advances EPACS maturity and reinforces confidence in its capability and reliability.
RTX, the parent company of Collins Aerospace, reported sales exceeding $88 billion in 2025 and employs more than 180,000 people globally. The company is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, while Collins Aerospace operates from Windsor Locks, Connecticut.
