Astronics Corporation Announces Expanded EMPOWER(R) In-Seat Power System National Dealer Network

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EAST AURORA, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO), a leader in advanced, high performance lighting, electrical power and automated test systems for the global aerospace and defense industries, today announced that Astronics AES, the recognized industry leader in aircraft cabin power, has entered into agreements with a network of 20 North American Authorized Dealer/Installers for sales and installations of its 28VDC to 115VAC In-Seat Power Supply system at over 50 locations across the U.S. and Canada.

For over 15 years, Astronics AES has developed patented intelligent power management systems for the commercial air carrier market. The patented EMPOWER(R) System is currently in service with 143 Airline/OEM customers on over 500,000 seats.

The 28VDC to 115VAC EMPOWER(R) In-Seat Power Supply system was launched into the business jet market in 2008. It is the first intelligent power management system of its kind available to the business jet market. Weighing only two pounds, each inverter supports up to three outlets.

The EMPOWER(R) 1215 Inverter is TSO-C73 certified, DO-160E compliant and is in full compliance with FAA Policy Statement ANM-01-111-165 for certification of power supply systems for Portable Electronic Devices (PED's).

Built with safety, convenience and efficiency in mind, the EMPOWER(R) System has ground fault interrupt, over voltage protection, over/under current protection and thermal load shedding built into the inverter unit. This intelligent in-seat power system eliminates the need for external protection and control devices, reducing cost and weight. The inverter is also configured for an enable/disable input and a system in-use light for crew visibility and control per the FAA Policy Statement.

Utilizing Astronics patented intelligent power management, the inverter does not provide power to the outlet unit until an appropriate device is properly inserted. For seamless use around the world, the outlet unit will accommodate plugs from 155 countries. To compliment design motifs, outlet units are available in a variety of colors. Additionally, gold and un-plated outlet covers are available adding to the elegance of aircraft interiors.

Astronics AES is committed to making the necessary power products available in response to the growing demand for productivity on-board today's business aircraft. With the support of the National Dealer Network, owners and operators can easily and cost effectively meet their cabin and cockpit PED power requirements.

ABOUT ASTRONICS CORPORATION

Astronics Corporation is a leader in advanced, high performance lighting, electrical power and automated test systems for the global aerospace and defense industries. The Company's 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, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, DME Corporation, Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems Corp. and Luminescent Systems 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 website at www.Astronics.com.

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


    Source: Astronics Corporation

Released April 8, 2010