ATRO Astronics Corporation

Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO), a leader in advanced, high performance lighting, electrical power generation, control and distribution systems for the global aerospace industry, announced today its Redmond, Washington based subsidiary, Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems (AES) was awarded a research contract by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In conjunction with the William J. Hughes Technology Center, which serves as a national scientific test base for the FAA, Astronics will be developing a next generation solid state electrical power distribution system (EPDS). Providing power for an entire aircraft operating platform, the next generation EPDS will provide a substantial increase in safety and reliability over existing systems as well as reduce aircraft weight, pilot workload and system wiring. Mark Peabody, Executive Vice President of Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems, commented, �Astronics AES was chosen by the FAA for this contract because of our extensive knowledge and expertise in designing and manufacturing power distribution systems for a variety of aircraft platforms. The new design will simplify re-configuration requirements allowing the system to be integrated on multiple aircraft platforms with minimal effort. By working with the FAA to develop new technologies, we are in an excellent position to design EPDS systems for aircraft manufacturers for inclusion on new aircrafts platforms.� As part of the contract, Astronics AES will develop a standardized interface between the aircraft power system and avionics and maintenance systems. Several important, advanced technologies will also be incorporated in the system, including: Electronic circuit breakers with advanced arc fault detection Ground fault interrupt protection System health monitoring and alerting (prognostics) Advanced power management and intelligent load shedding Development work on the project began in October 2006 and will continue through October 2009, providing follow on contract options are awarded to Astronics AES by the FAA. 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 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. Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO), a leader in advanced, high performance lighting, electrical power generation, control and distribution systems for the global aerospace industry, announced today its Redmond, Washington based subsidiary, Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems (AES) was awarded a research contract by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In conjunction with the William J. Hughes Technology Center, which serves as a national scientific test base for the FAA, Astronics will be developing a next generation solid state electrical power distribution system (EPDS). Providing power for an entire aircraft operating platform, the next generation EPDS will provide a substantial increase in safety and reliability over existing systems as well as reduce aircraft weight, pilot workload and system wiring. Mark Peabody, Executive Vice President of Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems, commented, "Astronics AES was chosen by the FAA for this contract because of our extensive knowledge and expertise in designing and manufacturing power distribution systems for a variety of aircraft platforms. The new design will simplify re-configuration requirements allowing the system to be integrated on multiple aircraft platforms with minimal effort. By working with the FAA to develop new technologies, we are in an excellent position to design EPDS systems for aircraft manufacturers for inclusion on new aircrafts platforms." As part of the contract, Astronics AES will develop a standardized interface between the aircraft power system and avionics and maintenance systems. Several important, advanced technologies will also be incorporated in the system, including: -- Electronic circuit breakers with advanced arc fault detection -- Ground fault interrupt protection -- System health monitoring and alerting (prognostics) -- Advanced power management and intelligent load shedding Development work on the project began in October 2006 and will continue through October 2009, providing follow on contract options are awarded to Astronics AES by the FAA. 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 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.