Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO), a leader in advanced, high-performance lighting, electrical power and automated test systems for the global aerospace and defense industries, today announced that it has been selected by Piper Aircraft to supply the 28VDC to 115VAC EMPOWER® System as a standard installation on Piper Aircraft's Meridian, Mirage and Matrix aircraft.

Piper Aircraft Inc. has modernized these aircraft to enhance the experience of the owner/operator. Utilizing the EMPOWER® System to add cabin power to support passenger electronic devices is one of the ways Piper Aircraft is adding additional productivity and entertainment value. With the selection of the EMPOWER® System, Astronics is pleased to add Piper Aircraft to the list of Original Equipment Manufacturers that have turned to the EMPOWER® System to meet customer demand.

"Astronics is committed to bringing industry-leading electrical power systems to the business aviation market. The EMPOWER® product selected by Piper Aircraft is an example of an elegantly simple design solution which allows business aircraft to meet passenger demands for power on the aircraft," noted Peter Gundermann, President and CEO of Astronics Corporation.

The EMPOWER® Inverter is TSO-C73 certified, DO-160E compliant and is in full compliance with FAA Policy Statement ANM-01-111-165 for certification of power supply systems for Portable Electronic Devices. Built with safety, convenience and efficiency in mind, the EMPOWER® System has ground fault interrupt, over voltage and current protection, as well as thermal load shedding built into the unit. This intelligent in-seat power system eliminates the need for external protection and control devices, reducing cost and weight. The inverter is also configured for an enable/disable input and a system in-use light for crew visibility and control per the FAA Policy Statement.

Utilizing Astronics patented intelligent power management, the inverter provides power to the outlet unit only after an appropriate device is properly inserted. For seamless use around the world, the outlet unit will accommodate plugs from 155 countries. To complement design motifs, outlet units are available in a variety of colors. Additionally, gold and un-plated outlet covers are available adding to the elegance of aircraft interiors.

For more than 15 years, Astronics has developed patented intelligent power management systems. The patented EMPOWER® System is currently in service with more than 150 Airline/OEM customers at more than 500,000 seat locations. The 28VDC to 115VAC EMPOWER® In-Seat Power Supply System was launched into the business jet market in 2009 and is the first intelligent power management system of its kind available to the business jet market.