Astro-Med Awarded Contract From DRS Technologies for Ruggedized Ethernet Switch for Military Vehicle

WEST WARWICK, RI, Jun 19, 2006 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX News Network) -- Astro-Med, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALOT) announced today that they have been awarded a contract from DRS Sustainment Systems Inc. for a new version of their ToughSwitch(R) for use in the Knight Common Display System. The new ToughSwitch 3 -- a nine port, ruggedized Ethernet switch -- is the latest in a range of new ruggedized products that Astro-Med has developed for aerospace and defense markets.

The ToughSwitch 3 is similar to earlier ruggedized switches that Astro-Med has been supplying for airborne applications but this model is designed specifically for use in military vehicles. It accepts military vehicle power per MIL-STD-1275B and is specially designed to resist the effects of biological and chemical decontamination agents.

In announcing the new contract, Tom Carll, National Sales Manager for Astro-Med's Test & Measurement Product Group, stated: "We are very excited for the opportunity that the ToughSwitch 3 presents and look forward to working closely with DRS Sustainment Systems Inc. on this requirement. We believe that this is just the first step in broadening the product reach beyond airborne applications."

Under the terms of the contract with DRS Technologies, Astro-Med will be supplying the ToughSwitch 3 for the Knight laser targeting system. The system is used for precision laser targeting of both artillery and air-delivered general purpose and precision-guided munitions. Shipments will begin in 2007 and are expected to continue through 2015.

DRS Sustainment Systems Inc., formerly DRS Systems & Electronics Inc., is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, and is a full service supplier of diversified defense products and support for the U.S. military and other customers.

Astro-Med, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of high tech specialty printing systems, electronic medical instrumentation, and test and measurement instruments employed around the world in a wide range of industrial, scientific, and medical applications.

Additional information about Astro-Med, Inc. is available by visiting www.astro-med.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements, and actual results may vary from those expressed or implied herein. Factors that could affect these results include those mentioned in Astro-Med's FY 2006 annual report and its annual and quarterly filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact:
Everett V. Pizzuti
Astro-Med, Inc.
(401) 828-4000