ATRO Astronics Corporation

ARCSAFE(R) Aircraft Wiring Integrity Tester enables identification of faulty wiring to avoid catastrophic in flight events EAST AURORA, N.Y., Nov. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ:ATRO), a leader in advanced high-performance lighting and electrical distribution systems for the global aerospace industry, today announced its subsidiary, Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems (AES), was awarded two FAA development contracts for further development of its unique ARCSAFE(R) Wire Insulation Integrity Test technology. The two contracts combined are valued at $1.5 million. It is expected the development contracts will be completed in six to 12 months. Astronics AES has been developing the ARCSAFE(R) technology since 1997. The objective for the current development is to evaluate the merger of current voltage technology with new spark detection technology. The proprietary ARCSAFE(R) technology aids in troubleshooting aircraft wiring integrity issues to help avoid catastrophic in flight events related to aging aircraft wiring. Standard preventative maintenance procedures currently involve time-consuming and error-prone visual inspections. The ARCSAFE(R) tools locate wiring faults quickly and efficiently, increasing aircraft safety, decreasing aircraft downtime and saving money. The ARCSAFE(R) system components include the Micro-Energy Tool (MET) and Insulation Fault Probe (IFP). The MET, which employs an automated, patented Micro-Energy High-Voltage (MEHV) technique, determines the approximate distance to a wiring fault. The IFP isolates the exact fault location, even those not visible to the naked eye. The ARCSAFE(R) tools can be used together or as stand-alone troubleshooting elements. Upon completion of the FAA development contracts, Astronics AES expects that there could be regulatory changes in wiring inspections requiring the use of technology such as ARCSAFE(R). ABOUT ASTRONICS CORPORATION Astronics Corporation is a leader in advanced, high performance lighting, electrical generation, control and distribution systems for the global aerospace industry. Its strategy is to expand the value and content it provides to various aircraft platforms through product development and acquisition. Astronics Corporation, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems and Luminescent Systems Inc., have a reputation for high quality designs, exceptional responsiveness, strong brand recognition and best-in-class manufacturing practices. More information can be found about the company at http://www.astronics.com/. DATASOURCE: Astronics Corporation CONTACT: David C. Burney, Chief Financial Officer, +1-716-805-1599 ext. 159, or Fax: +1-716-805-1286, Web site: http://www.astronics.com/

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