Astronics Unveils Mission‑Ready Edge AI for Rugged Avionics Platforms

New Ballard NG3 AI Accelerator offers MOSA-aligned AI edge inference

EAST AURORA, NY, July 21, 2026 – Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO), a leading supplier of advanced technologies and products to the global aerospace, defense, and other mission critical industries, today announced the Ballard NG3 AI Accelerator, a rugged, low‑SWaP edge computing solution designed to bring deployable artificial intelligence to aerospace and defense platforms. The NG3 AI Accelerator combines the Hailo‑8R artificial intelligence (AI) processor with the proven NG3 avionics computing platform to deliver compact, efficient, and rugged edge AI capabilities aligned with Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) principles and commercial off‑the‑shelf (COTS) deployment requirements.

Delivering up to 13 trillion operations per second (TOPS) of AI inference at approximately 3 TOPS per watt in a small, low‑SWaP form factor, the NG3 AI Accelerator is optimized for airborne edge computing environments where power, space, and environmental margins are tight. Rigorous qualification to DO‑160, MIL‑STD‑810, MIL‑STD‑461, and MIL‑STD‑704 demonstrates its ability to handle shock, vibration, EMI, and power variations typical of helicopters, fixed‑wing aircraft, ground vehicles, and unmanned systems.

“Our customers need edge AI solutions they can deploy quickly and confidently,” said Jon Neal, President of Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems. “The Ballard NG3 AI Accelerator delivers a compact, rugged AI platform that seamlessly integrates directly into existing avionics architectures, eliminating additional gateways while enabling efficient, low‑risk deployment of AI capabilities at the edge. It builds on decades of Ballard experience in avionics computing with Hailo’s advanced AI processing to give defense and aerospace programs a COTS‑ready path to fielding AI‑enabled capabilities in a form factor they know they can depend on.”

Purpose-built for airborne edge computing, the NG3 AI Accelerator integrates AI processing with native avionics I/O—such as MIL‑STD‑1553, ARINC 429/708/717, discrete I/O, and Ethernet—in a single unit. This allows direct connection to aircraft databuses and sensors without additional protocol converters, reducing system complexity, wiring, and latency while helping minimize overall SWaP. Programs can leverage the NG Family’s existing ecosystem of avionics interfaces and computing platforms to modernize mission architectures without disruptive redesign.

At its core, the Hailo‑8R Neural Processing Unit (NPU) delivers efficient, on‑device inference for vision, signal, and sensor‑fusion workloads, supporting a wide range of AI models and frameworks. This broad support enables developers to reuse existing workflows and libraries while tailoring solutions for missions ranging from object detection and tracking to audio processing and on‑board decision support—all within the same compact edge platform.

As a flagship member of the Ballard NG Family, the NG3 AI Accelerator provides aerospace and defense programs with a practical path to deploying advanced edge‑AI capabilities on a robust, aerospace‑grade platform. It allows customers to unlock new levels of situational awareness, automation, and responsiveness, without sacrificing SWaP, reliability, or low integration risk.

Backed by Astronics’ Ballard brand, a trusted supplier of rugged COTS avionics computing and databus solutions supporting leading defense primes, system integrators, and government agencies worldwide, the NG3 AI Accelerator extends a legacy of proven avionics interface solutions into the era of edge AI

For more information, please visit: astronics.com/ng3-ai-accelerator.

ABOUT ASTRONICS CORPORATION

Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO) serves the world’s aerospace, defense, and other mission-critical industries with proven innovative technology solutions. Astronics works side-by-side with customers, integrating its array of power, connectivity, lighting, structures, interiors, and test technologies to solve complex challenges. For over 50 years, Astronics has delivered creative, customer-focused solutions with exceptional responsiveness. Today, global airframe manufacturers, airlines, military branches, completion centers, and Fortune 500 companies rely on the collaborative spirit and innovation of Astronics. The Company’s strategy is to increase its value by developing technologies and capabilities that provide innovative solutions to its targeted markets.

Additional information on Astronics and its solutions can be found at Astronics.com.

###

Released July 21, 2026