EAST AURORA, N.Y., May 11, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO), a leading provider of advanced technologies for the global aerospace, defense, consumer electronics and semiconductor industries, today announced that Astronics AES has launched its COREPOWER^® Induction Starter Generator System with the successful completion of first flight on Pilatus Aircraft Ltd's new PC-24 Super Versatile Jet platform. The 55 minute flight across central Switzerland went as planned.

The Induction Starter Generator System, part of Astronics AES' COREPOWER^® line of products, offers a number of operational and cost saving benefits over traditional starter generators. The brushless design reduces the lifetime cost of ownership by greatly reducing required maintenance; the configurable starting capability enables controlled application and removal of torque, reducing transients, which means less stress on the gearbox and electrical system components. The system also provides full rated power, up to 400 amps, at ground idle.

With the help of Astronics AES' COREPOWER^® System and Williams International's engines, the PC-24 will be the first FJ44 application to take advantage of Williams' Quiet Power Mode™, a new proprietary feature allowing the FJ44 to provide quiet, efficient ground power, eliminating the need for a traditional APU.

Kellsey Justus, Vice President of Astronics AES Airborne Power & Control said, "Astronics is proud to provide our innovative starter generator system to Pilatus for the PC-24. The new starter generator eliminates brush replacement and the associated aircraft downtime. Improving aircraft dispatch reliability, particularly for those aircraft operators with high use, will provide significant long-term cost savings and improved customer satisfaction.  Pilatus is a great company and the uniqueness and versatility of the PC-24 make it an ideal application of our COREPOWER^® products that are responsible for starting, generating and distributing power on this platform."

In addition to the Induction Starter Generator System, Astronics AES is providing the secondary power distribution system on the PC-24 with their 3^rd generation COREPOWER^® Electronic Circuit Breaker Units.  These solid state units manage power throughout the aircraft and provide fault detection, circuit protection and programmable load management through automated power control functions, helping to reduce pilot workload and improve crew awareness.

With over 50 years' experience in power management, Astronics AES has developed numerous patented intelligent power management systems flying on various aircraft to date. 

ABOUT ASTRONICS CORPORATION

Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO) is a leading supplier of products and technology to the aerospace, defense, consumer electronics and semiconductor industries. Astronics' products include advanced, high-performance electrical power generation and distribution systems, lighting and safety systems, avionics products, aircraft structures and automatic test and simulation systems. Astronics' strategy is to increase its value by developing technologies and capabilities, either internally or through acquisition, and using those capabilities to provide innovative solutions to its targeted markets and other markets where its technology can be beneficial. Astronics Corporation, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, has 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 website at www.astronics.com. 

For more information on Astronics and its products, visit its website at: www.Astronics.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 capabilities of the acquired company, achieving expected revenue levels, successfully leveraging complementary capabilities in the Test Systems segment, 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.