ATRO Astronics Corporation

EAST AURORA, N.Y., July 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ:ATRO), a leader in advanced, high performance lighting, electronics and electrical power systems for the global aerospace and defense industry, today congratulates Eclipse Aviation on receiving provisional type certification from the FAA for the Eclipse 500 very light jet (VLJ). They expect to receive the full type certification by August 30, 2006 enabling them to begin customer deliveries. Astronics is supplying the electrical power distribution system, exterior lighting system, and the entire suite of cockpit instrument panel assemblies and keyboards for the flight deck on the revolutionary Eclipse 500. The electrical power distribution system is an advanced architecture that includes software configurable circuit breakers and intelligent system management which reduces pilot workload and improves system diagnostics. The system is lighter, smaller, and more reliable than traditional power distribution systems. The exterior lighting system utilizes LED (light emitting diode) and HID (high intensity discharge) technology to provide an unprecedented combination of performance and reliability. The cockpit instrument panels also utilize LED lighting and include advanced electronic control circuitry to provide seamless integration with the avionic systems in the aircraft. Peter J. Gundermann, President and CEO of Astronics Corporation, commented, "This is a great project to be involved in. We have worked very hard with Eclipse Aviation over several years to help them achieve their goals. The significance of this program to Astronics is measured in much more than simply revenue. Our content on the Eclipse 500 demonstrates our capability to provide a complete lighting and electrical power distribution solution for a cutting-edge aircraft. We are unique in our ability to provide the breadth of product we have on this aircraft, and it is a direct result of our strategy to provide comprehensive lighting and power distribution solutions to aircraft manufacturers from wing tip to wing tip, nose to tail." Eclipse Aviation recently announced that the Eclipse 500 received provisional type certification by the FAA and is the first VLJ to reach the market. It has begun to ramp up production in order to deliver its first aircraft in the coming weeks. The company is applying advanced electronics systems, manufacturing and business practices to produce aircraft that cost about a third of today's small jet aircraft, will be significantly safer and easier to operate than those of today, and have the lowest cost of ownership ever achieved in a jet aircraft. Eclipse has reported an order book of over 2,400 aircraft. ABOUT ASTRONICS CORPORATION Astronics Corporation is a leader in advanced, high-performance lighting, electrical power 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 Corp. and Luminescent Systems Inc., have a reputation for high quality designs, exceptional responsiveness, strong brand recognition and best-in-class manufacturing practices. For more information on Astronics and its products, visit its website at http://www.astronics.com/ . Safe Harbor Statement This press 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 expression. Because such statements apply to future events, they are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include the Company's ability to successfully execute the contract, that the production contracts will be awarded to Astronics, that the night vision conversion technology is transferable to other aircraft platforms and the state of the aerospace industry, 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 press release whether to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes in future operating results, financial conditions or prospects, or otherwise. DATASOURCE: Astronics Corporation CONTACT: David C. Burney, Chief Financial Officer of Astronics Corporation, +1-716-805-1599, ext. 159, Fax - +1-716-805-1286, Web site: http://www.astronics.com/

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