Astronics' Electronic Power Distribution System to

EAST AURORA, N.Y., Dec. 3, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO ), a leading provider of advanced technologies for the global aerospace and defense industries, announced today that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems Corp. (Astronics AES), will be supplying Bell Helicopter with the Secondary Electronic Power Distribution System (EPDS) for the new Bell 525 Relentless.

Astronics designs and builds modern electrical distribution systems, which safely and efficiently manage aircraft power. The secondary EPDS selected by Bell Helicopter employs Astronics' electronic circuit breaker units. These units, with solid state circuit breakers, are smaller and lighter than their conventional counterparts and can also be conveniently located throughout the aircraft. This placement creates a more evenly distributed system, thereby reducing wire weight. This is the third announced aircraft of five current programs for which Astronics has been selected to provide its EPDS products.

The new Bell 525 Relentless is the first commercial helicopter to define the super-medium product class by combining best-in-class performance characteristics and passenger amenities while integrating step-change technology throughout the aircraft. It provides unparalleled crew situational awareness through the use of a fully integrated glass flight deck, coupled with an advanced fly-by-wire flight control system, resulting in enhanced safety levels and mission capabilities. With its advanced aerodynamic design, the Bell 525 Relentless' payload/range performance and cabin volume make it ideal for the oil and gas industry, especially for deep-water missions. The aircraft is expected to make its first flight in 2014.

"This award validates the viability of the Astronics EPDS to improve safety, reduce crew workload and reduce weight in both rotary and fixed wing aircraft, while improving electrical system reliability," noted Peter J. Gundermann, President and CEO of Astronics Corporation. "We are pleased to work with Bell on the exciting and innovative 525 program."

Known for innovative technology and personalized customer response, Astronics has offered efficient power system management and integrated solutions for over half a century.

A BOU T ASTRONICS CORPORATION

Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO ) is a leader in advanced, high-performance lighting, electrical power and automated test systems for the global aerospace and defense industries. Astronics' 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, Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems Corp., Ballard Technology, Inc., DME Corporation, Luminescent Systems Inc., Max-Viz, Inc., AeroSat and PECO, 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 Web site at www.astronics.com .

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

A BOU T BELL HELICOPTER

Bell Helicopter, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical-lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries. More information is available at www.bh.com .

Safe Harbor Statement

This news 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 expressions. Because such statements apply to future events, they are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include the state of the aerospace and defense industries, the market acceptance of newly developed products, internal production capabilities, the timing of orders received, the status of customer certification processes, the demand for and market acceptance of new or existing aircraft which contain the Company's products, customer preferences, 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 news release whether to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes in future operating results, financial conditions or prospects, or otherwise.

For more information contact: Company: David C. Burney, Chief Financial Officer Phone: (716) 805-1599, ext. 159 Email: Investor Relations: Deborah K. Pawlowski, Kei Advisors LLC Phone: (716) 843-3908 Email: