Raytheon conducts successful demonstration of energy management system for F-35 Lightning II fighter upgrade

Raytheon has conducted laboratory testing of the Enhanced Power and Cooling System (EPACS). The EPACS was developed by Collins Aerospace and is designed to support Block 4 upgrades and future upgrades to the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter.

Here's What We Know

EPACS laboratory testing has been completed successfully. Raytheon expects the system to reach Technology Readiness Level 6 by the end of this year. The company will be able to launch Engineering & Manufacturing Development in 2024.

EPACS will provide a significant increase in cooling capacity (twofold) and require less power from the F135 engine. This will increase the performance and durability of the propulsion system.

A Raytheon press release states that the EPACS will be able to meet the increasing cooling requirements of the F135 engine. According to the manufacturer, the new EPACS will be compatible with all versions of the fifth-generation fighter (F-35 A/B/C).

Source: Raytheon