Astronics Awarded Multiyear Contract for Support of United Kingdom Bowman Tactical Communications System

EAST AURORA, N.Y., Oct. 30, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq:ATRO) ("Astronics"), a leading provider of advanced technologies for the global aerospace and defense industries, announced today that its Test Systems segment, through Astronics' wholly-owned subsidiary DME Corporation, was awarded two five-year contracts by General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited to support the U. K. Ministry of Defense (MoD) Bowman tactical communications system test equipment modernization, logistics, supply and support.

Astronics will provide full logistical support for Bowman Radio Test solutions (RTS), including necessary repair and calibration, spares provisioning, obsolescence management and logistics support analysis required to maintain the 80 systems currently fielded. Astronics will also provide engineering design services and management support of the Bowman RTS equipment, which was originally supplied by Astronics as part of the General Dynamics U.K. led Bowman program.

Peter J. Gundermann, President and CEO of Astronics, noted, "Astronics' Bowman RTS is a critical test system used to verify and certify operational tactical radios and communications equipment for the UK MoD's current tactical radio fleet. We originally supplied the equipment to this program over 10 years ago. With these wins, we will continue to support the MoD's strategy to ensure continuous capability for voice and data communication."

ABOUT ASTRONICS CORPORATION

Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq:ATRO) is a leader in advanced, high-performance lighting, electrical power, specialized avionics products 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 our leadership position and strategic direction. Astronics Corporation, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, has 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: Company:
         David C. Burney, Chief Financial Officer
         Phone: (716) 805-1599, ext. 159
         Email: david.burney@astronics.com

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

Released October 30, 2014