Astronics CSC Next-Generation Portable Inflight Entertainment Platform Now Available

Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO), a leading provider of advanced technologies for global aerospace, defense, and other mission critical industries, announced today the availability of Sierra, the latest in portable inflight entertainment (IFE). Sierra delivers a host of new features, including autonomous operation, open architecture for hosting third party applications, and comparable performance to fixed IFE architecture for higher quality digital experiences for passengers.

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Astronics’ Sierra is a carry-on IFE solution designed to provide full featured inflight entertainment with minimal installation required. (Photo: Business Wire)

Offered by Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification (CSC), Sierra is designed to fit into overhead bins and closets with minimal installation required. The carry-on unit provides a robust battery-operated alternative to fixed IFE installations.

"The launch of the newest generation of Sierra demonstrates our commitment to our customers and their focus on better serving their passengers. Sierra is truly unmatched by any other portable IFE system available. With a multitude of functions packed into a compact platform, Sierra greatly enhances customer’s digital experiences,” said Michael Kuehn, President of Astronics CSC

The lightweight and compact size of Sierra enables it to be deployed in almost any cabin environment. Despite its efficient dimensions, Sierra offers twelve hours of continuous battery operation with dual hot-swappable batteries. Sierra’s open architecture allows customers to deploy containerized applications. Additional options, including utilizing aircraft power and PA pause functionality, make the product easily customizable. Sierra provides near infinite scalability with a dedicated third radio to network multiple units on a single aircraft.

With Sierra’s scalability, the system provides a rich media streaming platform for an entire aircraft, offering hundreds of hours of streaming audio, video, digital magazine content and much more.

Key features of Sierra include:

• Low-power Intel® Atom™ x86 processor
• Dual band (2.4GHz/5GHz) 802.11ac, Wave 2 Access Point
• Dedicated third 802.11ac radio for wireless networking between multiple units
• Up to 2 TB of storage possible with front removable solid-state drive (can also be locked for permanent storage)
• ADS-B in receiver for moving map applications
• Optional PA pause feature (with the addition of a complimentary wireless module)
• Automatically disables itself during a cabin decompression event
• Optional power from an external aircraft power outlet (with the appropriate STC)
• 4G/LTE cellular radio - automatically disables radio based on aircraft movement

Sierra production deliveries start mid-September 2019.

Learn more about Sierra Portable IFE at APEX EXPO, where it will be displayed and demonstrated by Astronics CSC executives in Los Angeles, California, September 9-12, 2019 at booth 1429. Additional information and details on tech talks that will be given at APEX EXPO available at www.astronics.com/apex-2019.

Astronics CSC serves as the global market leader for inflight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) hardware and software solutions for aircraft, specializing in connectivity hardware, integration engineering, and certification services. Together with other Astronics subsidiaries, Astronics CSC offers the most complete set of IFEC hardware solutions available from a single vendor.

About Astronics Corporation

Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO) serves the world’s aerospace, defense, and other mission critical industries with proven, innovative technology solutions. Astronics works side-by-side with customers, integrating its array of power, connectivity, lighting, structures, interiors, and test technologies to solve complex challenges. For over 50 years, Astronics has delivered creative, customer-focused solutions with exceptional responsiveness. Today, global airframe manufacturers, airlines, military branches, completion centers, and Fortune 500 companies rely on the collaborative spirit and innovation of Astronics. The Company’s strategy is to increase its value by developing technologies and capabilities that provide innovative solutions to its targeted markets. The Company routinely posts news and other important information on its website at www.astronics.com.

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