The test campaign ran for several days at power levels that replicated operational mission requirements. EPACS was evaluated at multiple altitudes and pushed to its operating limits.
“Successful altitude testing validates system performance in real-world flight conditions,” said Ira Grimmett, vice president of 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.”
Engineers collected performance data throughout the campaign. The tests also demonstrated the system’s ability to deliver emergency power during operations.
The results were used to validate performance models developed for EPACS. Altitude testing is an early development and risk-reduction step for new power and thermal management systems.
Collins Aerospace said EPACS will provide the thermal margin needed to support F-35 upgrades throughout the aircraft’s service life. The technology is also intended for future defense and commercial aircraft with higher power and cooling requirements.
The milestone follows the company’s 2025 announcement that EPACS had met aircraft-integration requirements. Completion of altitude testing moves the system through another stage of technical maturity.
