Astronics' Revolutionary Aircraft Power System Selected for Fifth OEM Program

EAST AURORA, N.Y., Oct. 22, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq:ATRO) announced that Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems Corp. (AES), a wholly-owned subsidiary, has been selected to supply its COREPOWER^® Electrical Power Distribution System (next-gen EPDS) for a fifth OEM aircraft program. Additionally, Astronics delivered its first, Safety-of-Flight approved, next-gen EPDS to its launch customer. This integrated aircraft power management distribution system is now entering the flight test phase of the certification path for widespread use in business aviation. The launch customer's new aircraft is in process for its FAA and EASA certification.  

Incorporating a host of power management advancements, Astronics' COREPOWER^® EPDS includes such features as built-in load management and automatically adjustable circuit protection. Its advanced capabilities through an all-digital customizable architecture enhance crew and passenger safety; reduce pilot workload through a simpler, more highly integrated and less cluttered cockpit environment; provide greater crew control over aircraft operation and functions; and lessen aircraft complexity and weight via reductions in system components and wiring.

Two of the programs for the next-gen EPDS have already been announced, while the remaining three, which includes two rotorcraft, are expected to be announced by the end of this year.  One of the strengths of this second generation COREPOWER^® EPDS is its flexibility, which enables it to be used on different sizes and types of aircraft, while it also supports integration with other onboard systems, such as avionics and starter generators.  The next-gen EPDS is based on Astronics' successful first-generation electrical power distribution system, which has accrued more than 14 million flight-hours on approximately 250 business jets.

"Astronics AES has been an innovator in the modernization of business jet and rotary aircraft power and distribution systems. We believe our program win with several aircraft manufacturers for the COREPOWER^® EPDS is a testament to the value of this system," said Peter J. Gundermann, President and CEO of Astronics Corporation.

Known for its innovative technology and personalized customer response, Astronics has been a leader in developing efficient power management systems and other integrated aerospace solutions for more than half a century.

ABOUT ASTRONICS CORPORATION

Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq:ATRO) is a leader in advanced, high-performance lighting, electrical power and automated test systems for the global aerospace and defense industries. Astronics' strategy is to develop and maintain positions of technical leadership in its chosen aerospace and defense markets, to leverage those positions to grow the amount of content and volume of product it sells to those markets and to selectively acquire businesses with similar technical capabilities that could benefit from its leadership position and strategic direction. Astronics Corporation, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems Corp., Ballard Technology, Inc., DME Corporation, Luminescent Systems Inc., Max-Viz, Inc., AeroSat and PECO, Inc., have a reputation for high-quality designs, exceptional responsiveness, strong brand recognition and best-in-class manufacturing practices. The Company routinely posts news and other important information on its Web site at www.astronics.com.

For more information on Astronics and its products, visit its Web site at  www.Astronics.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. One can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of the words "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "may," "will," "estimate" or other similar expressions. Because such statements apply to future events, they are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include the state of the aerospace and defense industries, the market acceptance of newly developed products, internal production capabilities, the timing of orders received, the status of customer certification processes, the demand for and market acceptance of new or existing aircraft which contain the Company's products, customer preferences, and other factors which are described in filings by Astronics with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking information in this news release whether to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes in future operating results, financial conditions or prospects, or otherwise.

CONTACT: Marketing:
         John Behrens, Director New Business Development
         Phone: (425) 895-4303
         Email: john.behrens@astronics.com

         Investor Relations:
         Deborah K. Pawlowski, Kei Advisors LLC
         Phone: (716) 843-3908
         Email: dpawlowski@keiadvisors.com

Released October 22, 2013