Astronics Corporation, a leading provider of advanced technologies for the global aerospace and defense industries announced today at the Aircraft Electronic Association's International Convention & Trade Show that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems Corp. (AES), has contracted with three business aircraft OEMs to supply its new EmPOWER® System, which supports USB capability. The EmPOWER® System will be installed on numerous aircraft models.

The selection was based on the system's ability to support multiple passengers with a mix of AC and USB power. The inherent safety features of the EmPOWER® 28VDC to 115VAC System and the dual use AC/USB Outlet provides a clean and easy installation to support the power needs of passengers and crew.

The flexibility of a combined AC/USB outlet is designed to conserve valuable cabin space and to provide passengers with two power availability options at each seat location. Should customers desire, separate AC and USB outlets can be installed.

Keeping safety in mind for both the passenger and the aircraft, overcurrent, overvoltage and thermal runaway conditions are managed locally by the system. This protects both the passenger device power cable as well as the device. The EmPOWER® USB outlet unit is TSO-C71 certified and DO-160E compliant, while the EmPOWER® 28VDC to 115VAC in-seat power supply is TSO-C-73 certified.

“Astronics is committed to bringing industry leading electrical power systems to the business aviation market. The EmPOWER® product is an example of an elegant, but simple, design solution, which allows business aircraft to meet customer demands for power on aircraft,” noted Peter J. Gundermann, President and CEO of Astronics Corporation.

For more than 15 years, Astronics has developed patented intelligent power management systems. The patented EmPOWER® System is currently in service with over 170 Airline/OEM customers and installed in over 500,000 seat locations. The 28VDC to 115VAC EmPOWER® In-Seat Power Supply System was launched into the business jet market in 2009 and was the first intelligent power management system of its kind available to the business jet market.