RTX EPACS F-35 power and thermal management system demonstrates 80 kW cooling capacity
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Insights
The announcement by RTX of a new cooling system for the F-35 represents a significant advancement in military aviation technology. The Enhanced Power and Cooling System (EPACS) is a strategic enhancement to the F-35's capabilities, addressing a critical need for improved thermal management as the aircraft undergoes modernization. The current Power and Thermal Management System (PTMS) of the F-35 has been identified as insufficient, leading to overextension of the aircraft's engine and increased lifecycle costs. The EPACS, with its 80-kilowatt cooling capacity, not only meets but exceeds the new requirements set forth by the F-35 Joint Program Office, potentially reducing operational risks and maintenance costs.
From a business perspective, this development could lead to new contracts and revenue streams for RTX's Collins Aerospace business. The successful demonstration of EPACS could solidify RTX's position as a key supplier in the defense sector, with the potential to secure long-term contracts for the F-35 program. Furthermore, the compatibility of EPACS with all three variants of the F-35 platform suggests a broad market opportunity and reinforces the company's commitment to interoperability and cost efficiency.
The EPACS' ability to deliver more than double the F-35's current cooling capacity is a significant technological leap, with implications for the aircraft's performance and longevity. The F-35's modernization involves integrating advanced systems that generate more heat, necessitating a more robust cooling solution. By providing a system that can handle the increased thermal load, EPACS ensures the F-35 can incorporate future upgrades without thermal limitations, thus enhancing the aircraft's combat readiness and effectiveness.
From a technological standpoint, Collins Aerospace's use of proven technologies and millions of hours of in-flight experience in designing EPACS minimizes the risks associated with integrating new systems into existing platforms. This approach demonstrates an understanding of the critical balance between innovation and reliability in military applications, where the cost of failure is measured not just in dollars but also in mission success and, ultimately, lives.
The financial implications of RTX's EPACS for the F-35 are multifaceted. On one hand, the system's potential to reduce engine wear and subsequent maintenance costs could contribute to a lower total lifecycle cost of the F-35 program. This could be seen favorably by investors as it enhances RTX's value proposition in highly competitive defense contracts. On the other hand, the initial investment in research and development for EPACS, as well as the costs associated with its production and integration, must be weighed against the expected returns.
It is also important to consider the broader financial impact on the F-35 program. The Government Accountability Office has highlighted the existing PTMS as a cost driver; thus, EPACS could alleviate some of the financial pressure on the program. This might lead to improved perceptions of the F-35 program's efficiency and cost-effectiveness, which can influence defense spending decisions and, by extension, RTX's stock performance.
New system would more than double F-35's current cooling capability to support future upgrades and warfighters' urgent operational needs
"The F-35 is a mainstay of allied forces around the world," said Henry Brooks, president, Power & Controls for Collins Aerospace. "In order to modernize the platform with advanced systems to counter emerging threats, a significantly enhanced cooling capability is required. Through its more efficient thermodynamic cycle, EPACS can deliver the increased cooling the F-35 needs and help extend the life of the aircraft for decades to come."
According to the Government Accountability Office, the F-35's existing PTMS, used to cool aircraft subsystems that generate heat, is overtasked, requiring the engine to operate beyond design parameters. The added wear on the engine has already added substantial costs to the program's lifecycle cost estimate.
"Our service members urgently need an upgraded cooling and management system on the F-35 to keep pace with continuous modernization of the aircraft's capabilities," said
The cooling demand is set to increase beyond current capabilities as additional mission systems are added to the platform as part of planned upgrades. Recently, the F-35 Joint Program Office posted an RFI with a significantly expanded PTMS cooling capacity objective of 80 kilowatts. By delivering 80 kilowatts of cooling, more than double the platform's current capacity, EPACS would provide enough cooling to support planned F-35 upgrades with additional margin for the life of the aircraft.
With millions of hours of in-flight experience for the cooling and power generation systems it supplies across multiple commercial and military aircraft, Collins has leveraged proven technologies to design EPACS as a mature, low-risk solution. To minimize integration and operational risk while maximizing the value of existing F-35 assets in the field, EPACS is also intended to be compatible with all three platform variants.
About Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, is a leader in integrated and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Our 80,000 employees are dedicated to delivering future-focused technologies to advance sustainable and connected aviation, passenger safety and comfort, mission success, space exploration and more.
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 2023 sales of
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