ESTERLINE TECHNOLOGIES CORP, 424B1, 1996-02-08

ESTERLINE TECHNOLOGIES CORP
424B1, 1996-02-08
INDUSTRIAL INSTRUMENTS FOR MEASUREMENT, DISPLAY, AND CONTROL

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<PAGE>
1,800,000 SHARES

[LOGO]

ESTERLINE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
COMMON STOCK
----------------

All of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby are being sold by Esterline
Technologies Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"). Of the
1,800,000 shares of Common Stock offered, 1,440,000 shares are being offered
hereby in the United States and Canada (the "U.S. Shares") and 360,000 shares
are being offered in a concurrent international offering outside the United
States and Canada. The price to the public and aggregate underwriting discounts
and commissions per share will be identical for both offerings. See
"Underwriting."

The Company's Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE")
under the trading symbol "ESL." On February 7, 1996, the last reported sale
price of the Common Stock as reported by the NYSE was $23.25 per share. See
"Price Range of Common Stock."
-------------------

PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE MATTERS DISCUSSED UNDER
"RISK FACTORS" ON PAGE 6 IN THIS PROSPECTUS.
-----------------

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR
ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY
OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO
THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNDERWRITING
PRICE TO DISCOUNTS AND PROCEEDS TO
PUBLIC COMMISSIONS (1) COMPANY (2)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share......................... $23.00 $1.18 $21.82
Total............................. $41,400,000 $2,124,000 $39,276,000
Total Assuming Full Exercise of
Over-Allotment Option (3)........ $47,610,000 $2,442,600 $45,167,400
<FN>
(1) See "Underwriting."
(2) Before deducting expenses estimated at $415,000, which are payable by the
Company.
(3) Assuming exercise in full of the 30-day option granted by the Company to
the Underwriters to purchase up to 270,000 additional shares, on the same
terms, solely to cover over-allotments. See "Underwriting."
</TABLE>

-------------------

The U.S. Shares are offered by the U.S. Underwriters, subject to prior sale,
when, as and if delivered to and accepted by the U.S. Underwriters, and subject
to their right to reject orders in whole or in part. It is expected that
delivery of the Common Stock will be made in New York City on or about February
13, 1996.
-------------------

PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED
RAGEN MACKENZIE INCORPORATED
PACIFIC CREST SECURITIES INC.
------------

THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS FEBRUARY 8, 1996
<PAGE>
ALL PHOTOS ARE BLACK & WHITE

PHOTOS NUMBERS 1 AND 2 ARE ON THE INSIDE FRONT COVER OF THE PROSPECTUS. PHOTOS
NUMBERS 3 THROUGH 6 ARE ON THE INSIDE BACK COVER OF THE PROSPECTUS.

Photo #1 shows a technician holding a drilled circuit board. In the background
is an EXCELLON drilling machine.

CAPTION
EXCELLON AUTOMATION is a leading manufacturer of highly efficient
automated drilling systems for the printed circuit board manufacturing
industry. The proliferation of increasingly complex circuit boards is
fueling Excellon's growth by helping to render older drilling machines
obsolete.

Photo #2 shows a WHITNEY punching machine with a touch-screen computer
controller.

CAPTION
WHITNEY designs and builds highly productive automated machine tool
and material handling systems for cutting and punching sheet, plate,
and structural steel. The punching machine pictured incorporates a
touch-screen computer controller co-developed by Whitney and Excellon
to provide full process traceability.

Photo #3 shows (clockwise from left) an AUXITROL optical pyrometer,
thermocouple harness, and high temperature sensor.

CAPTION
AUXITROL, headquartered in France, manufactures high-precision
temperature and pressure sensing devices including (clockwise from
left) optical pyrometers, thermocouple harnesses, and high-temperature
sensors for aerospace applications. Auxitrol also manufactures a wide
range of other measuring devices for shipbuilding, petroleum and
process industries.

Photo #4 shows an array of ARMTEC combustible ordnance products.

CAPTION
ARMTEC currently is the principal U.S. producer of combustible
ordnance products utilized by the U.S. Army. Products include the
120mm cartridge case used on the main armament system on the M-1A2
tank, and 60mm, 80mm and 120mm mortar increments.

Photo #5 shows a KORRY lighted switch panel with the facia removed.

CAPTION
KORRY'S electro-optical components and systems provide its customers
with a significant technological advantage in such areas as night
vision -- a top defense department priority.

Photo #6 shows the gauge head of a FEDERAL PRODUCTS dimensional measurement
system.

CAPTION
FEDERAL PRODUCTS designs and produces a broad line of high-precision
dimensional and surface measurement and inspection instruments and
systems for dimensional and other quality control applications.
Manufacturers use this equipment for direct shop-floor inspection to
reduce costly rework at more advanced production stages.

IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK OF
THE COMPANY AT A LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN
MARKET. SUCH TRANSACTIONS MAY BE EFFECTED ON THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE OR
OTHERWISE. SUCH STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY THE MORE DETAILED
INFORMATION AND THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (INCLUDING NOTES THERETO) APPEARING
ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. UNLESS THE
CONTEXT INDICATES OTHERWISE, REFERENCES IN THIS PROSPECTUS TO THE "COMPANY" OR
TO "ESTERLINE" ARE TO ESTERLINE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES.
UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS ASSUMES THAT THE
UNDERWRITERS OVER-ALLOTMENT OPTION WILL NOT BE EXERCISED.

THE COMPANY

Esterline is a diversified manufacturing company that has strong market
positions within a variety of general manufacturing industries, including
electronic equipment, metal fabrication, commercial aerospace and defense. The
Company conducts its operations through three business segments: its Automation
Group, Aerospace and Defense Group, and Instrumentation Group. The six principal
subsidiaries of Esterline set forth below generated approximately 78% and 82% of
net sales and 89% and 83% of operating earnings (excluding restructuring charges
and corporate expenses) in fiscal 1994 and 1995, respectively.

AUTOMATION GROUP

EXCELLON AUTOMATION CO. ("Excellon") is a leading manufacturer of highly
efficient automated drilling systems for the printed circuit board manufacturing
industry. Excellon has experienced significant growth over the past two years,
fueled by the growing capacity requirements of printed circuit board
manufacturers and the proliferation of increasingly more complex boards which is
helping to render older printed circuit board drilling machines obsolete.
Management believes that Excellon's newest automated equipment, which includes
fully integrated material handling equipment, is the technological leader based
upon its productivity and accuracy, and enables its customers to achieve one of
the lowest costs per hole.

W.A. WHITNEY CO. ("Whitney") designs and builds highly productive automated
machine tool and material handling systems for cutting and punching sheet,
plate, and structural steel for construction, transportation, agricultural and
mining equipment manufacturers and independent steel fabrication centers.
Whitney produces equipment specifically designed for mid- to heavy plate metal
that enables manufacturers to meet rigid cut quality and accuracy standards. In
its niche, Whitney is a leading supplier in the United States, and has market
positions in both Europe and Asia.

AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE GROUP

ARMTEC DEFENSE PRODUCTS CO. ("Armtec") manufactures molded fiber cartridge
cases, mortar increments, igniter tubes and other combustible ammunition
components for the United States Armed Forces and licenses such technology to
foreign defense contractors and governments. In conjunction with the U.S. Army's
development of an improved solid propellent propulsion system for 155mm
artillery, Armtec is developing what management expects will become the next
generation of specialized modular cartridge cases.

AUXITROL S.A. ("Auxitrol"), headquartered in France, manufactures high
precision temperature and pressure sensing devices used primarily on rocket
motors and jet engines, and liquid level and various other measuring devices for
the ship building, petroleum and process industries. Auxitrol also manufactures
electrical penetration devices under license for use in nuclear power plants in
certain European countries and other foreign countries.

INSTRUMENTATION GROUP

FEDERAL PRODUCTS CO. ("Federal") designs and produces high-precision analog
and digital measurement and inspection instruments and systems for dimensional
and other quality control applications in the production of finely machined
parts for the automotive, aerospace and general manufacturing industries.
Manufacturers use Federal equipment for direct shop-floor inspections to reduce
costly rework at more advanced production stages.

KORRY ELECTRONICS CO. ("Korry") is a market and technology leader in the
manufacture of high-reliability electro-optical components and systems,
illuminated push button switches, indicators, panels, and keyboards

3
<PAGE>
primarily for commercial and military aircraft manufacturers, electronic
instrument producers, and defense contractors. Korry's products have been
designed into many existing aircraft systems, and as a result, Korry enjoys a
considerable spares and retrofit business.

Esterline's senior management group joined the Company in 1987. In its
efforts to improve stockholder returns, management has downsized and
restructured the Company and navigated it through extended downturns in both the
electronics capital goods and commercial aerospace and defense markets. Since
October 31, 1989, senior management has reduced the Company's total debt from
$172.1 million to $50.3 million at October 31, 1995. Today, Esterline is
enjoying the benefits of its increased operating leverage as a result of its
restructuring efforts and improving capital goods markets.

The Company's operating strategy consists of the following key elements:

FOCUS ON MANUFACTURING HIGHLY ENGINEERED PRODUCTS IN NICHE MARKETS --
Management believes that engineered products with technological advantages help
maintain strong market shares which provide the opportunity to earn above
average profit margins. Even during market downturns, the Company provides
financial resources to its operating units for the research and development of
new or enhanced products in an effort to maintain technological advantages.

IMPLEMENT PROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -- Esterline's corporate
management supports stand-alone operating management teams at each Esterline
subsidiary. The Company believes that its long-term management approach and
continuous focus on incremental improvement often enable it to increase the
value of small- to medium-sized manufacturing businesses by bringing
professional management practices to traditional entrepreneurial operations.

INCENTIVIZE MANAGEMENT TO OBTAIN ABOVE AVERAGE RETURN FOR STOCKHOLDERS --
The Company's goal is to provide stockholders with an above average return on
equity. The compensation system for senior management is consistent with this
goal, rewarding performance not only with respect to the Company's annual
results but also long-term Company performance relative to specific industry
indices.

PURSUE SELECTIVE ACQUISITION OPPORTUNITIES -- Strategic acquisitions are an
important element in achieving the Company's long-term earnings growth
objectives. The Company will continue to target acquisition candidates in the
areas it knows well--technically based manufacturing companies delivering
products to industrial customers--where its management team's knowledge and
experience can add value. With the proceeds from this offering and the reduced
financial leverage, the Company should be well-positioned from a financial
standpoint to successfully complete acquisitions.

Esterline, organized in August 1967, is a Delaware corporation with its
principal executive offices at 10800 NE 8th Street, Bellevue, Washington
(telephone number (206) 453-9400).

THE OFFERING

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Common Stock Offered by the Company......... 1,800,000 shares (1)
Common Stock to be Outstanding after the
Offering................................... 8,458,560 shares (1)
Use of Proceeds............................. General corporate purposes, including
acquisitions.
New York Stock Exchange Symbol.............. ESL
<FN>
- ------------------------
(1) Does not include 947,000 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under
the Company's 1987 Stock Option Plan, of which 789,625 are currently
outstanding and of which 539,750 are currently exercisable.
</TABLE>

4
<PAGE>
SUMMARY FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA

The following table sets forth summary historical financial and operating
data of the Company and its subsidiaries. For additional information, see the
consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries and
"Selected Historical Financial and Operating Data" included elsewhere in this
Prospectus. The summary historical financial data should also be read in
conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations
and Financial Condition."

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,
---------------------------------------------------------------
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
--------- --------- ------------ ---------- -----------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS AND EMPLOYEE DATA)

<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING RESULTS
Net sales..................... $350,934 $304,827 $ 285,152 $294,044 $351,897
Cost of sales................. 214,415 187,235 175,568 178,397 210,834
Selling, general and
administrative expense....... 111,858 102,202 100,669 100,845 112,213
Restructuring provision
(credit)..................... -- -- 40,626(1) -- (2,067)(2)
Interest expense, net......... 12,709 7,246 6,324 5,985 4,442(3)
Earnings (loss) before income
taxes........................ 11,952 8,144 (38,035) 8,817 26,475
Income tax expense
(benefit).................... 4,637 3,050 (12,400) 1,254(4) 9,094
Net earnings (loss)........... $ 7,315 $ 5,094 $ (25,635)(1) $ 7,563(4) $ 17,381(2)
Net earnings (loss) per
share........................ $ 1.12 $ 0.76 $ (3.90)(1) $ 1.15(4) $ 2.53(2)
Weighted average number of
shares outstanding........... 6,543 6,667 6,579 6,571 6,870

BALANCE SHEET DATA
(at period end)
Working capital............... $ 20,377 $ 21,721 $ 9,064 $ 8,993 $ 35,741
Total assets.................. 256,384 232,024 205,672 217,524 225,714
Total debt.................... 109,302 81,784 74,486 62,360 50,294
Shareholders' equity.......... 77,377 82,622 55,323 65,491 83,706

OTHER DATA
Gross margin percentage....... 38.9% 38.6% 38.4% 39.3% 40.1%
Research, development and
related engineering costs as
a percentage of sales (5).... 4.7% 4.4% 4.9% 4.7% 4.7%
Total number of employees (at
period end).................. 3,499 3,109 2,809 2,804 2,849
<FN>
- ------------------------------
(1) In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1993, the Company recorded a $40.6 million
restructuring charge ($27.2 million, or $4.14 per share, net of income tax
effect). Without this restructuring charge, net earnings in 1993 would have
been $1.6 million, or $.24 per share.
(2) Net earnings in 1995 reflect nonrecurring items including a pre-tax
restructuring credit of $2.1 million, or $.20 per share on an after-tax
basis, and a pre-tax patent infringement settlement credit of $1.3 million,
or $.12 per share on an after-tax basis, both of which were recorded in the
third quarter of fiscal 1995. Without these credits, net earnings in 1995
would have been $15.2 million, or $2.21 per share.
(3) Interest expense in 1995 is net of $1.2 million of interest income.
(4) Net earnings in 1994 reflect a $2.0 million, or $.30 per share, tax benefit
recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1994 as a result of a settlement
with the Internal Revenue Service. Net earnings in 1994 would have been
$5.6 million, or $.85 per share, without this credit.
(5) Research, development and related engineering costs are included in
selling, general and administrative expense.
</TABLE>

5
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS

PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF THE COMMON STOCK SHOULD CONSIDER CAREFULLY THE
SPECIFIC RISK FACTORS SET FORTH BELOW AS WELL AS THE OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED
IN THIS PROSPECTUS.

CYCLICALITY OF BUSINESS. The Company's business is susceptible to economic
cycles and its results can vary widely based on a number of factors, including
domestic and foreign economic conditions and developments affecting the specific
industries and customers served. The products sold by the Company's businesses
represent capital investment or support for capital investment by either the
initial customer or the ultimate end user. Also, a significant portion of the
sales and profitability of some Company businesses is derived from defense and
other government contracts or the commercial aircraft industry. Changes in
general economic conditions or conditions in specific industries, capital
acquisition cycles, and government policies, collectively or individually, can
have a significant effect on the Company's results of operations and financial
condition. For example, recently, strong demand for the Automation Group's
manufacturing equipment products, particularly at Excellon, was primarily
responsible for the Company's sales increases. There can be no assurance that
such demand for Excellon's products will continue at their current levels.

COMPETITION. The Company competes in most markets it serves with numerous
other companies, some of which have far greater sales volume and financial
resources than the Company. The principal competitive factors in the commercial
markets in which the Company participates are product performance and service.
Part of product performance requires significant expenditures in research and
development that lead to product improvement. The market for many of the
Company's products may be affected by rapid technological changes and new
product introduction. Current competitors or new entrants could introduce new
products with features that render the Company's products obsolete or less
marketable. Excellon's principal competitors are Hitachi, Ltd. and Pluritec.
Whitney's principal competitors are Mazak, Cincinnati Milacron, U.S. Amada, and
Trumpf. Auxitrol's principal competitors are Ametek and Rosemount. Federal's
principal competitors are Starrett and Mitutoyo. Korry's principal competitors
are Eaton-MSC and Ducommun Jay-El. See "Business -- Competition."

DEPENDENCE ON MAJOR CUSTOMERS; BACKLOG. Certain of the Company's
subsidiaries are dependent on a relatively small number of customers and defense
programs which change from time to time. For example, Armtec is dependent on the
U.S. Army. Significant customers in fiscal 1995 included AT&T, the U.S. Army,
Snecma, Boeing and General Dynamics. There can be no assurance that the
Company's current customers will continue to buy the Company's products at their
current levels. Moreover, orders included in backlog are generally subject to
cancellation by the Company's customers. The inability to replace sales due to
the loss of any major customer or defense program could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's results of operations and financial condition.

EFFECT OF GOVERNMENT CONTRACT PROVISIONS AND AUDITS. As a contractor and
subcontractor to the United States Government, the Company is subject to various
laws and regulations that are more restrictive than those applicable to
non-government contractors. Although only 4% of the Company's sales are made
directly to the United States Government, the Company's subcontracting
activities account for an additional 15% of sales. Therefore, approximately 19%
of the Company's sales are governed by rules favoring the government's
contractual position. As a consequence, such contracts may be subject to protest
or challenge by unsuccessful bidders or to termination, reduction, or
modification in the event of changes in government requirements, reductions in
federal spending, or other factors. The accuracy and appropriateness of certain
costs and expenses used to substantiate direct and indirect costs of the Company
for the United States Government under both cost-plus and fixed-price contracts
are subject to extensive regulation and audit by the Defense Contract Audit
Agency ("DCAA"), an arm of the United States Department of Defense.

In October 1995, the Company identified irregularities in the allocation of
certain labor charges at Armtec, and promptly disclosed these irregularities to
the Department of Defense. Armtec applied for admittance to the Department of
Defense Voluntary Disclosure Program but has not yet been advised regarding its
admittance to the Program. The outside attorneys and governmental contracting
consultant that were retained by the Company to assist in this matter are
continuing their internal investigation. At this stage of the investigation,
management believes that the eventual outcome of this issue will not have a

6
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material adverse effect on the financial position or future operating results of
the Company. However, no assurance can be given that Armtec will be admitted to
the Program, or that Armtec will not be subject to fines, penalties, and/or
administrative sanctions (which could include suspension and debarment from
government contracting) which could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's financial position or future operating results.

DEPENDENCE ON PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGY. The Company's subsidiaries take
precautionary steps to protect their technological advantages and rely in part
on patent, trademark, trade secret, and copyright law to protect their
intellectual property. There can be no assurances that the precautionary steps
taken by the Company will prevent misappropriation of its technology. Litigation
may be necessary in the future to enforce the Company's patents and other
intellectual property rights, to protect the Company's trade secrets, to
determine the validity and scope of proprietary rights of others, or to defend
against claims of infringement or invalidity by others. Such litigation could
result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's operating results and financial condition.

RISK OF FOREIGN OPERATIONS. Foreign sales represented approximately 35% of
the Company's total sales in fiscal 1995. Foreign sales are subject to numerous
risks, including political and economic instability in foreign markets,
restrictive trade policies of foreign governments, economic conditions in local
markets, inconsistent product regulation by foreign agencies or governments, the
imposition of product tariffs and the burdens of complying with a wide variety
of international and U.S. export laws and differing regulatory requirements. To
the extent that foreign sales are transacted in a foreign currency, the Company
would be subject to the risk of losses due to foreign currency fluctuations. In
addition, the Company has substantial assets denominated in foreign currencies
which are not offset by liabilities denominated in such foreign currencies.
These net foreign currency investments are subject to material changes in the
event of fluctuations in foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar.

PRODUCT LIABILITY. The Company is subject to the risk of claims arising
from injuries to persons or property due to the use of its products. Although
the Company maintains general liability and product liability insurance, there
can be no assurance that such insurance will be sufficient to cover any claims
that may arise.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. The Company is subject to federal, state, local and
foreign laws, regulations and ordinances that (i) govern activities or
operations that may have adverse environmental effects, such as discharges to
air and water, as well as handling and disposal practices for solid and
hazardous wastes, and (ii) impose liability for the costs of cleaning up, and
certain damages resulting from, sites of past spills, disposals or other
releases of hazardous substances (together, "Environmental Laws"). From time to
time, the Company's operations have resulted or may result in noncompliance with
or liability for cleanup pursuant to Environmental Laws. In addition, the
Company has been identified as a potentially responsible party pursuant to the
federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of
1980, as amended, or under analogous state Environmental Laws, for the cleanup
of contamination resulting from past disposals of hazardous wastes at certain
sites to which the Company, among others, sent wastes in the past. The Company
believes that any such noncompliance or liability under current Environmental
Laws would not have a material adverse effect on its results of operation or
financial condition. Nonetheless, there can be no assurance that such matters,
or any similar liabilities that arise in the future, will not have a material
adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or financial condition.
See "Business -- Environmental Matters."

VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE. The trading price of the Company's Common Stock
has from time to time fluctuated widely and in the future may be subject to
similar fluctuations in response to quarter-to-quarter variations in the
Company's operating results, announcements of technological innovations or new
products by the Company or its competitors, announcements of marketing and
distribution arrangements by the Company, general conditions in the industries
in which the Company competes and other events or factors. In addition, in
recent years broad stock market indices, in general, and the securities of
technology

7
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companies, in particular, have experienced substantial price fluctuations. Such
broad market fluctuations also may adversely affect the future trading price of
the Common Stock. See "Price Range of Common Stock."

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ACQUISITIONS. A key operating strategy of the Company
is the pursuit of selective acquisitions. Although the Company reviews many
possible acquisitions, including some outside of its current markets and
acquisition criteria, the Company currently has no commitments, agreements or
understandings to acquire any specific businesses or other material assets.
There can be no assurance that any acquisition will be consummated, or if
consummated, that any such acquisition will be successfully integrated or will
not have a material adverse effect upon the Company's financial condition or
results of operations. The Company is seeking stand-alone operations with
revenues in the $40 to $100 million range, or smaller companies or product lines
that complement the Company's current market or product forces; however, there
can be no assurance that the Company will not consumate an acquisition outside
this revenue range.

CERTAIN ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS. The Company's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, as amended, (the "Certificate of Incorporation"), and Bylaws
contain provisions for a classified Board of Directors and restricting the
ability of stockholders to call special meetings. These provisions could delay
or impede the removal of incumbent directors and could make more difficult a
merger, tender offer or proxy contest involving the Company, even if such events
might be favorable to the Company's stockholders. In addition, certain
agreements to which the Company is a party, including loan and employment
agreements, contain provisions that impose substantial penalties upon the
Company in the event of a change of control.

The Company's stockholder Rights Plan is designed to cause substantial
dilution to any "Acquiring Person" that attempts to merge or consolidate with,
or that takes certain other actions affecting, the Company on terms that are not
approved by the Board of Directors of the Company. The Company is also subject
to the "business combination" statute of the Delaware General Corporation Law.
In general, the statute prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from
engaging various "business combination" transactions with any "interested
stockholder" for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in
which such person became an "interested stockholder," unless the business
combination is approved in a prescribed manner. These provisions could
discourage or make more difficult a merger, tender offer or other similar
transaction, even if favorable to the Company's stockholders. See "Description
of Capital Stock -- Rights Plan; -- Section 203 of Delaware General Corporation
Law."

Under the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, the Company has the
ability to issue approximately 21.5 million shares of Common Stock, 25,000
shares of Preferred Stock and 475,000 shares of Serial Preferred Stock. The
Preferred and Serial Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or
more series with such designations, preferences and relative participating,
optional or other special rights and qualifications, limitations or restrictions
thereon, as determined by the Board of Directors. One of the effects of the
existence of unissued and unreserved capital stock may be to enable the Board of
Directors to issue shares to persons friendly to current management which could
render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of the Company
by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise, and thereby
protect the continuity of management. Such additional shares also could be used
to dilute the stock ownership of persons seeking to obtain control of the
Company. See "Description of Capital Stock -- Preferred Stock and Serial
Preferred Stock; -- Certain Effects of Authorized But Unissued Stock."

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<PAGE>
USE OF PROCEEDS

The Company expects to use the net proceeds from the sale of the Common
Stock, estimated to be approximately $38,861,000 ($44,752,400 if the
Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full) after deducting the
Underwriters' discounts, fees, expenses and commissions and estimated offering
expenses, for general corporate purposes, including, without limitation, the
possible acquisition of other companies and working capital needs. The Company
routinely reviews acquisition opportunities. The Company is seeking stand-alone
operations with revenues in the $40 million to $100 million range, or smaller
companies or product lines that complement the Company's current market or
product focus. The Company's acquisition focus will continue to be in areas it
knows well -- where the management team's knowledge and experience can add
value. With the proceeds from this offering and the reduced financial leverage,
the Company should be well positioned from a financial standpoint to
successfully complete acquisitions. The Company is currently reviewing a number
of potential acquisitions, however, it currently has no commitments, agreements
or understandings to acquire any specific business or other material assets.

PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDEND POLICY

The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices for the
Company's Common Stock for the periods indicated as reported by the New York
Stock Exchange. As of February 7, 1996, the Company believes that there were
approximately 1,100 holders of record of Common Stock.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL QUARTER ENDED HIGH LOW
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
1994
January 31, 1994........................................................... $ 8.13 $ 7.25
April 30, 1994............................................................. 9.00 7.13
July 31, 1994.............................................................. 10.00 6.38
October 31, 1994........................................................... 12.38 9.50
1995
January 31, 1995........................................................... 14.75 11.13
April 30, 1995............................................................. 17.63 12.50
July 31, 1995.............................................................. 24.75 16.63
October 31, 1995........................................................... 30.38 21.25
1996
November 1 through February 7, 1996........................................ 24.00 19.13
</TABLE>

No cash dividends were paid during the fiscal years ended October 31, 1993,
1994 and 1995 as the Company continued its policy of retaining all internally
generated funds to support the long-term growth of the Company and to retire
debt obligations. In addition, the Company's debt agreements contain various
restrictions on the payment of dividends.

The last reported sale price of the Company's Common Stock on February 7,
1996 was $23.25 per share.

9
<PAGE>
CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth the total capitalization, cash and cash
equivalents and short-term debt of the Company as of October 31, 1995, as
adjusted to reflect the sale of the shares of Common Stock offered by the
Company hereby (after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and
estimated offering expenses) and the receipt of the net proceeds therefrom. See
"Use of Proceeds" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of
Operations and Financial Condition."

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OCTOBER 31, 1995
---------------------
ACTUAL AS ADJUSTED
-------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
(IN THOUSANDS)

Cash and cash equivalents............................................. $ 22,097 $ 60,958
-------- -----------
-------- -----------

Credit facilities and current maturities of long-term debt............ $ 14,751 $ 14,751
-------- -----------
-------- -----------

Long-term debt, net of current maturities............................. $ 35,543 $ 35,543
-------- -----------
Shareholders' equity
Common stock, par value $.20 per share, 30,000,000 shares
authorized, 6,645,780 shares issued and outstanding and 8,445,780
shares, as adjusted (1)............................................ 1,328 1,688
Preferred Stock, par value $100 per share, 25,000 shares authorized,
no shares issued and outstanding................................... -- --
Serial Preferred Stock, par value $1 per share, 475,000 shares
authorized, no shares issued and outstanding....................... -- --
Capital in excess of par value...................................... 10,390 48,891
Retained earnings................................................... 72,332 72,332
Cumulative translation adjustment................................... (344) (344)
-------- -----------
Total shareholders' equity........................................ 83,706 122,567
-------- -----------
Total capitalization............................................ $119,249 $158,110
-------- -----------
-------- -----------
<FN>
- ------------------------
(1) Does not include currently outstanding options to purchase 754,625 shares
of the Company's Common Stock as of October 31, 1995, 470,375 of which were
then exercisable.
</TABLE>

10
<PAGE>
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA

The following table sets forth selected historical financial and operating
data of the Company and its subsidiaries. The selected historical financial
operating and balance sheet data as of and for each of the five fiscal years in
the period ended October 31, 1995 were derived from the audited consolidated
financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries. For additional
information, see the consolidated financial statements of the Company and its
subsidiaries included elsewhere in this Prospectus. The selected historical
financial data should also be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition."

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
--------- --------- ------------ ----------- ------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS AND EMPLOYEE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING RESULTS
Net sales............................................. $ 350,934 $ 304,827 $ 285,152 $ 294,044 $ 351,897
Cost of sales......................................... 214,415 187,235 175,568 178,397 210,834
Selling, general and administrative expense........... 111,858 102,202 100,669 100,845 112,213
Restructuring provision (credit)...................... -- -- 40,626(1) -- (2,067)(2)
Interest expense, net................................. 12,709 7,246 6,324 5,985 4,442(3)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes................... 11,952 8,144 (38,035) 8,817 26,475
Income tax expense (benefit).......................... 4,637 3,050 (12,400) 1,254(4) 9,094
Net earnings (loss)................................... $ 7,315 $ 5,094 $ (25,635)(1) $ 7,563(4) $ 17,381(2)
Net earnings (loss) per share......................... $ 1.12 $ 0.76 $ (3.90)(1) $ 1.15(4) $ 2.53(2)
Weighted average numbers of shares outstanding........ 6,543 6,667 6,579 6,571 6,870

BUSINESS SEGMENT DATA
Net sales
Automation.......................................... $ 125,263 $ 91,449 $ 94,460 $ 108,642 $ 156,116
Aerospace and Defense............................... 113,335 111,077 99,071 93,370 98,027
Instrumentation..................................... 112,336 102,301 91,621 92,032 97,754

BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT PERIOD END)
Working capital....................................... $ 20,377 $ 21,721 $ 9,064 $ 8,993 $ 35,741
Total assets.......................................... 256,384 232,024 205,672 217,524 225,714
Total debt............................................ 109,302 81,784 74,486 62,360 50,294
Shareholders' equity.................................. 77,377 82,622 55,323 65,491 83,706

OTHER DATA
Gross margin percentage............................... 38.9% 38.6% 38.4% 39.3% 40.1%
Research, development and related engineering costs as
a percentage of sales (5)............................ 4.7% 4.4% 4.9% 4.7% 4.7%
Total number of employees (at period end)............. 3,499 3,109 2,809 2,804 2,849
<FN>
- ------------------------------
(1) In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1993, the Company recorded a $40.6 million
restructuring charge ($27.2 million, or $4.14 per share, net of income tax
effect). Without this restructuring charge net earnings in 1993 would have
been $1.6 million, or $.24 per share.
(2) Net earnings in 1995 reflect nonrecurring items including a pre-tax
restructuring credit of $2.1 million, or $.20 per share on an after-tax
basis, and a pre-tax patent infringement settlement credit of $1.3 million,
or $.12 per share on an after-tax basis, both of which were recorded in the
third quarter of fiscal 1995. Without these credits, net earnings in 1995
would have been $15.2 million, or $2.21 per share.
(3) Interest expense in 1995 is net of $1.2 million of interest income.
(4) Net earnings in 1994 reflect a $2.0 million, or $.30 per share, tax benefit
recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1994 as a result of a settlement
with the Internal Revenue Service. Net earnings in 1994 would have been
$5.6 million, or $.85 per share, without this credit.
(5) Research, development and related engineering costs are included in
selling, general and administrative expense.
</TABLE>

11
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES THERETO OF THE COMPANY AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
INCLUDED ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS.

GENERAL

The Company consists of 12 individual businesses divided into three
operating business segments: Automation, Aerospace/Defense, and Instrumentation.
These three operating business segments consist of six principal businesses. The
Automation Group's principal businesses are Excellon and Whitney. The
Aerospace/Defense Group's principal businesses are Armtec and Auxitrol. The
Instrumentation Group's principal businesses are Federal and Korry. These six
principal businesses of Esterline generated approximately 78% and 82% of the
Company's net sales and 89% and 83% of operating earnings in fiscal 1994 and
1995, respectively.

The Company's business is susceptible to economic cycles and its results can
vary widely based on a number of factors, including domestic and foreign
economic conditions and developments affecting the specific industries and
customers they serve. The products sold by most of these businesses represent
capital investment or support for capital investment by either the initial
customer or the ultimate end user. Also, a significant portion of the sales and
profitability of some Company businesses is derived from defense and other
government contracts or the commercial aircraft industry. Changes in general
economic conditions or conditions in specific industries, capital acquisition
cycles, and government policies, collectively or individually, can have a
significant effect on the Company's results of operations and financial
condition.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1993, the Company recorded a $40.6 million
restructuring charge ($27.2 million, or $4.14 per share, net of income tax
effect). The restructuring plan provided for the sale or shutdown of certain
small operations, the write-off of intangible assets, anticipated losses on the
sale of vacant facilities and product lines, employees' severance and
consolidation of facilities and product lines for increased efficiency. The
objective of the plan was to strengthen the Company for long-term growth and to
permit management to focus on operations with strong market positions. The
estimated costs represented the Company's best assessment of the plan, although
the Company expected that some cost elements of the original plan could change.
During the third quarter of fiscal 1995, several remaining restructuring actions
were completed and the Company comprehensively reviewed all of the actions as
they were originally contemplated. Asset accounts, including intangibles and
accrued liabilities associated with the plan, were adjusted such that the total
restructuring costs were lowered to $38.5 million. As a result, the Company took
a restructuring credit in the third quarter of fiscal 1995 of $2.1 million ($1.4
million, or $.20 per share, net of income tax), or approximately 5% of the
original charge. No other amounts related to the restructuring plan were charged
or credited to earnings since the inception of the plan. Cash impacts of actions
taken during this period were not significant nor materially different than
originally anticipated. The Company's restructuring action is now substantially
complete.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1995 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1994

Net sales in 1995 were $351.9 million compared with $294 million in 1994.
The sales improvement was primarily attributable to the Automation Group, where
sales increased $47.5 million, or 44%, to $156.1 million. The Automation Group
benefited from a strong market for automated manufacturing equipment,

12
<PAGE>
particularly at Excellon where the growing capacity requirements of circuit
board manufacturers and the proliferation of increasingly smaller holes is
helping to drive replacement of older drilling machines. Sales in the Company's
two other groups, Aerospace/Defense and Instrumentation, also improved in 1995.
In the Aerospace/Defense Group, sales for 1995 were $98 million, compared with
$93.4 million in the prior year. This increase was primarily due to a
strengthening in the aerospace markets. Instrumentation Group sales for 1995
were $97.8 million, versus $92 million in 1994. This increase was primarily a
result of new product introductions and expanded sales efforts at Federal.
Including export sales by domestic operations, sales to foreign buyers totalled
$124.1 million and $91.0 million in 1995 and 1994, respectively and accounted
for 35% and 31% of the Company's total sales in each year, respectively.

Cost of sales increased to $210.8 million in 1995 from $178.4 million in the
prior year primarily due to the increased sales volume discussed above. Gross
margin as a percentage of sales improved slightly to 40% in 1995 from 39% in
1994 primarily due to the operating leverage of increased sales in all three
groups. Gross margin percentages by business segment increased in 1995 in both
the Automation and Instrumentation Groups, and declined in the Aerospace/Defense
Group. This latter decline was due to a decrease in sales at a partially owned
Russian distributorship and expenses related to the Armtec investigation. By
group, gross margins ranged from 39% to 41% in 1995, compared with 39% to 42% in
the prior year.

Selling, general and administrative expenses (which includes corporate
expenses, and research, development and related engineering costs but excludes
the restructuring credit) for 1995 increased to $112.2 million compared with
$100.8 million in 1994. As a percent of sales, however, they decreased from 34%
in 1994 to 32% in 1995 because of cost containment and operating leverage the
Company is experiencing due to increased sales volumes. Research, development
and related engineering costs for 1995 increased to $16.6 million, versus $13.7
million in 1994, reflecting the Company's continuing commitment to invest in
strategic product development programs.

Operating earnings (excluding corporate expenses and the restructuring
credit) increased from $23.3 million in 1994 to $37.3 million in 1995. The
improvement was primarily attributable to the Automation Group where earnings
more than doubled to $24.2 million in 1995 from $11.9 million in 1994. The
Automation Group's earnings improvement is due to the operating leverage of
increased sales. The earnings of the Instrumentation Group also increased
sharply from $1.5 million to $6.6 million due to favorable product mix of sales
and receipt of a patent infringement settlement of $1.3 million. The
Aerospace/Defense Group's earnings decreased to $6.5 million in 1995 from $9.8
million in the prior year. This decrease was primarily due to the above
referenced decline in gross margins.

Interest income for 1995 was $1.2 million compared with $0.1 million in 1994
due to increases in cash and equivalents which were generated primarily from
operations.

Interest expense for 1995 was $5.6 million compared with $6.1 million in
1994 due primarily to reduced debt levels.

The effective income tax rate for 1995 was 34% compared with 14% in 1994.
The low effective 1994 rate was primarily due to a $2.0 million benefit recorded
in 1994 from a settlement with the Internal Revenue Service of audits of certain
federal income tax returns.

Net earnings for 1995, were $17.4 million, or $2.53 per share, compared with
net earnings of $7.6 million, or $1.15 per share in the prior year period.
Earnings in the current year period include $.20 per share and $.12 per share,
respectively, from the restructuring credit and patent infringement settlement
discussed above.

Orders for 1995, were $358.3 million, compared with $319.4 million a year
earlier. The increase was primarily attributable to the Automation Group and its
improved markets as discussed above. Backlog at October 31, 1995 was $103.2
million, compared with $96.8 million a year earlier. Approximately $11.9 million
of Companywide backlog was scheduled to be delivered after 1996. Orders in
backlog are subject to cancellation.

13
<PAGE>
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1994 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1993

Net sales in 1994 were $294.0 million, compared with $285.2 million in 1993.
The 1994 sales improvement was attributable to the Automation Group, where sales
increased $14.2 million or 15% to $108.6 million. Strengthening of domestic
markets coupled with strong customer acceptance of newer products, principally
at Excellon, contributed to the sales growth. This sales increase in the
Automation Group was primarily attributable to sales increases at Excellon and
at Whitney. Instrumentation Group sales stabilized and were virtually level with
the prior year at $92.0 million, while sales in the Aerospace/Defense Group
decreased $5.7 million or 6% to $93.4 million. The sale of Republic Electronics
Co. in the second quarter of 1994 accounted for approximately two-thirds of this
decrease. Including export sales by domestic operations, sales to foreign buyers
totaled $91.0 million and $89.3 million in 1994 and 1993, respectively, and
accounted for 31% of the Company's total sales in each year.

Cost of sales increased to $178.4 million in 1994 from $175.6 million in
1993. This increase was primarily attributable to the increase in net sales
discussed above. Gross margin as a percentage of sales increased slightly to 39%
in 1994 from 38% in 1993. Gross margin percentages by business segment increased
in 1994 in both the Aerospace and Defense and Instrumentation Groups, and were
approximately level in the Automation Group. In 1994, group margins ranged from
38% to 42%, compared with 37% to 40% in the prior year.

Selling, general and administrative expenses in 1994 were level with the
prior year at $100.8 million. However, they decreased slightly as a percent of
sales from 35% to 34%. The costs related to the corporate expenses portion of
selling, general and administrative expenses amount to $8.5 million in 1994,
compared with $7.2 million in 1993. This increase was primarily attributable to
additional performance-based compensation being awarded to senior management as
a result of the Company's improved earnings in 1994. The research, development
and related engineering costs portion of selling, general and administrative
expenses amounted to $13.7 million in 1994, compared with $14.0 million in 1993,
reflecting the Company's continuing commitment to invest in strategic product
development programs.

Operating earnings (excluding corporate expenses and restructuring charges)
in 1994 improved in all three of the Company's business segments and totaled
$23.3 million, compared with $16.1 million in the prior year. The improvement
was primarily attributable to the Automation Group where earnings advanced $4.0
million over the prior year primarily as a result of the earnings improvement at
Excellon and Whitney. Overall, operating earnings reflect a $2.6 million
reduction in depreciation and amortization expense as a result of the 1993
restructuring, and continued cost containment measures.

Net interest expense decreased from $6.3 million in 1993 to $6.0 million in
1994 due to reduced debt levels, offset by increases in interest rates.

Income tax expense in 1994 was $1.3 million, reflecting a $2.0 million
benefit recorded in the fourth quarter of 1994 resulting from a settlement with
the Internal Revenue Service of audits of certain federal income tax returns
compared with an income tax benefit of $12.4 million recorded in 1993.

Net earnings in 1994 were $7.6 million, or $1.15 per share on sales of
$294.0 million, compared with a net loss of $25.6 million, or $3.90 per share on
sales of $285.2 million in 1993. Net earnings in 1994 reflect the $2.0 million
tax benefit recorded in the fourth quarter resulting from the settlement with
the Internal Revenue Service. Net earnings in 1993 included a $27.2 million
after tax ($40.6 million before tax) restructuring provision. Without the
restructuring charge, 1993 net earnings would have been $1.6 million, or $.24
per share.

Orders for the year ended October 31, 1994 totaled $319.0 million, up more
than 20% from the prior year. Companywide backlog at the end of 1994 was $97.0
million compared with $74.0 million a year earlier. The increases were primarily
attributable to the Automation Group, where year end backlog levels of $30.0
million were more than triple the prior year amount, reflecting strengthening
markets and the introduction of new products in 1993. Backlog at the Company's
two other groups were relatively consistent with prior year levels.
Approximately $11.0 million of 1994's Companywide backlog was scheduled to be
shipped after fiscal 1995. Orders in backlog are subject to cancellation.

14
<PAGE>
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Total debt at October 31, 1995 was $50.3 million, $12.1 million less than at
October 31, 1994. This debt reduction primarily reflects early redemption of
$20.0 million principal amount of 8.25% Convertible Debentures which was
effected in May 1995 using available cash. Cash and equivalents on hand at
October 31, 1995 totaled $22.1 million, an increase of $13.0 million from
October 31, 1994. Working capital increased to $35.7 million at October 31, 1995
from $9.0 million at October 31, 1994 primarily due to cash generated from
operations, and to reductions in accrued liabilities related to the 1993
restructuring.

Of the total debt outstanding at October 31, 1995, $40.0 million was
outstanding under the Company's 8.75% Senior Notes, nothing was outstanding
under the Company's bank credit facility, and $10.3 million was outstanding
under the various bank credit facilities and other debt agreements, primarily
those related to Auxitrol. The Company's financing arrangements contain various
restrictions, including maintenance of net worth, various cash flow, leverage
and fixed charge coverage ratios, and limitations on capital expenditures,
disposition of assets and securities proceeds, payment of dividends, and
additional borrowings.

Capital expenditures, consisting primarily of machinery, equipment and
computers, are anticipated to be approximately $18.0 million during fiscal 1996,
compared with $11.5 million in fiscal 1995. In addition, the Company is required
to prepay $5.7 million principal amount of the Senior Notes on July 30, 1996 and
each year thereafter until the Senior Notes mature on July 30, 2002. Management
believes cash on hand, funds generated from operations, and available bank
credit lines of approximately $37.9 million will adequately service cash
requirements through fiscal 1996.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of," which is
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1995. This Statement
requires that long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles to be held
and used by an entity be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. In
addition, this Statement requires that long-lived assets and certain
identifiable intangibles to be disposed of be reported at the lower of carrying
amount or fair value less cost to sell. The adoption of this Statement is not
expected to have any material impact on the consolidated financial statements of
the Company.

In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation," which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15,
1995. This Statement defines and prescribes a fair value based method of
accounting for stock-based compensation plans in which compensation cost is
computed at the option grant date and expensed over a service period. While full
adoption of this Statement is encouraged, companies will be permitted to
continue accounting for stock-based compensation under the current guidance of
APB Opinion No. 25; provided that certain pro forma disclosures of the impact of
full implementation are made. The Company does not plan to adopt the accounting
provision of this standard and accordingly will continue applying the provisions
of APB Opinion No. 25.

In December 1994, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
issued Statement of Position 94-6 "Disclosure of Certain Significant Risks and
Uncertainties," which is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15,
1995. This Statement of Position requires additional disclosures about certain
risks and uncertainties relating to the nature of operations, the use of
estimates, and vulnerability due to certain concentrations. The adoption of this
Statement of Position is not expected to have any material impact on the
consolidated financial statements of the Company.

15
<PAGE>
BUSINESS

GENERAL

Esterline is a diversified manufacturing company that has strong market
positions within a variety of general manufacturing industries, including
electronic equipment, metal fabrication, commercial aerospace and defense. The
Company conducts its operations through three business segments: its Automation
Group, Aerospace and Defense Group, and Instrumentation Group. The six principal
subsidiaries of Esterline generated approximately 78% and 82% of net sales and
89% and 83% of operating earnings, (excluding restructuring charges and
corporate expenses), in fiscal 1994 and 1995, respectively. The six principal
subsidiaries are Excellon and Whitney in the Automation Group, Armtec and
Auxitrol in the Aerospace and Defense Group, and Federal and Korry in the
Instrumentation Group.

OPERATING STRATEGY

The Company's operating strategy consists of the following key elements:

FOCUS ON MANUFACTURING HIGHLY ENGINEERED PRODUCTS IN NICHE MARKETS

Management believes that engineered products with technological advantages
help maintain strong market shares which provide the opportunity to earn above
average profit margins. Esterline's subsidiaries focus on highly engineered
products for industrial customers. The Company focuses new research and
development investments on developing new or enhanced products for established
industrial markets with technology that is easily differentiated from
competitors. The Company avoids commodity-type products where price is the
primary competitive element or industries where profit margins are low. Even
during market downturns, the Company provides financial resources to its
operating units for the research and development of new or enhanced products in
an effort to maintain technological advantages. As an example, Excellon invested
heavily in the development of highly efficient automated drilling systems during
the cyclical downturn of 1991 and 1992, and when the markets began to turn in
late 1993, Excellon emerged with a significantly improved drilling system having
enhanced productivity capabilities able to achieve a lower cost per hole for its
customers.

IMPLEMENT PROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Esterline corporate management supports stand-alone operating management
teams at each Esterline subsidiary. Esterline has developed a comprehensive
system of monitoring its separate business units and actively participates in
the strategic management of each subsidiary. The Company believes that this
management approach allows it to increase the value of small- to medium-sized
manufacturing businesses by bringing professional management practices to
traditional entrepreneurial operations. The Company's key management personnel
use their knowledge and experience to assist each operating unit in developing
long-term strategies in key areas such as new products, manufacturing, and
pricing and marketing on a world-wide basis. One example of this is
Manufacturing Resource Planning Systems ("MRP II") where Esterline's management
has gained extensive experience in connection with the installation of MRP II
systems at its subsidiaries. Where employed, MRP II has allowed the use of new
competitive manufacturing techniques-- just-in-time work cells and
quick-response, short lead time manufacturing.

INCENTIVIZE MANAGEMENT TO OBTAIN ABOVE AVERAGE RETURN FOR STOCKHOLDERS

The Company's goal is to provide stockholders with an above average return
on equity. The compensation system for senior management is consistent with this
goal, rewarding performance not only with respect to the Company's annual
results but also long-term Company performance relative to specific industry
indices. Specifically, under the long-term plan, a new four-year cycle is
established each year in which payouts are tied to Company performance (measured
by return on equity, and growth in earnings per share)

16
<PAGE>
relative to such indices. In addition, financial incentives for key operating
unit personnel are consistent with the goals stated above. These managers are
eligible for bonuses based on subsidiary-specific return on investment incentive
compensation plans.

PURSUE SELECTIVE ACQUISITION OPPORTUNITIES

Strategic acquisitions are an important element in achieving the Company's
long-term growth objectives, and the Company has intensified its efforts in this
regard with the extensive involvement of top management at the corporate level
and key operating unit personnel. The Company's acquisition focus will continue
to be in the areas it knows well -- technically based manufacturing companies
delivering products to industrial customers -- where its management team's
knowledge and experience can add value. Esterline management is seeking
stand-alone operations with revenues in the $40 million to $100 million range,
or smaller companies or product lines that complement the Company's current
market and product focus. A team of senior Esterline managers has been assembled
to actively identify and evaluate potential candidates. This team is currently
reviewing a number of potential candidates; however, it currently has no
commitments, agreements or understandings to acquire any specific businesses or
other material assets. With the proceeds from this offering and the reduced
financial leverage, the Company should be well-positioned from a financial
standpoint to successfully complete acquisitions.

AUTOMATION GROUP

The Automation Group consists of four subsidiaries of which Excellon and
Whitney are the principal subsidiaries. In fiscal 1994 and 1995, the Automation
Group accounted for 37% and 44%, respectively, of the Company's net sales.
Equipment Sales Co. and Tulon Co. comprise the remaining members of the
Automation Group.

EXCELLON

Excellon is a leading manufacturer of highly efficient automated drilling
systems for the printed circuit board manufacturing industry. Excellon has
experienced significant growth over the past two years, fueled by the growing
capacity requirements of printed circuit board manufacturers and the
proliferation of increasingly more complex boards which is helping to render
older printed circuit board drilling machines obsolete. As new electronic
applications multiply, board designers are forced to integrate increasingly more
functions into smaller packages, requiring more PCB holes, smaller holes and
much tighter tolerances between holes. Management believes that its drilling
systems enable its customers to achieve one of the lowest costs per hole, an
increasingly important consideration in the cost-conscious electronics industry.

Excellon's high levels of research and development expenditures are key to
maintaining its important technology lead. Excellon's latest product
developments are micro-drilling machines that automatically load or unload
circuit boards in combination with fully integrated material handling systems.
These drilling equipment systems, in combination with Excellon's powerful
software, respond to customer needs for increased flexibility--smaller, shorter
production runs--in an automated production environment. These units feature a
tool management system that provides access to 600 tools per spindle, integrated
laser inspection for broken bits, and full Z-axis control for precision depth
drilling. Depending on the configuration ordered, Excellon's System 2000
machine, for example, can automatically load circuit board material onto one of
five drilling stations, drill the board to exacting pre-programmed
specifications, and then unload the finished boards. This level of automation
translates into dramatic productivity advantages for Excellon's customers. An
Excellon system can provide access to any function of the drilling machine, and
full process analysis traceability of system or operator performance and
statistical process control. Yet, its color touch-screen with easy-to-read menus
available in nine different languages provides for ease of operation.

Excellon products are sold worldwide to the PCB manufacturing industry, at
prices ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. The three largest markets for the PCB
manufacturers are the computer (35%), communications (25%) and automotive (12%)
markets. Since August 1994, AT&T Corp., one of Excellon's largest customers and
one of the world's leading producers of PCBs, has installed 46 Excellon drilling
systems, served by fully integrated material handling equipment.

In fiscal 1993, 1994 and 1995, printed circuit board drilling equipment
accounted for 16%, 18% and 26% respectively, of the Company's consolidated net
sales.

17
<PAGE>
WHITNEY

Whitney designs and builds highly productive automated machine tool and
material handling systems for cutting and punching sheet, plate, and structural
steel for construction, transportation, agricultural and mining equipment
manufacturers and independent steel fabrication centers. Whitney produces
equipment specifically designed for mid- to heavy plate metal that enables
manufacturers to meet rigid cut quality and accuracy standards. Whitney's
computer-controlled heavy punching and cutting machines significantly reduce
setup time, decrease work-in-process time and material handling, and enable
customers to utilize just-in-time production to lower inventory and costs.
Management believes that Whitney's proprietary TRUECut-TM- oxygen plasma cutting
technology virtually eliminates rejected parts and additional finish work,
resulting in improved throughput and reduced cost per part. In its niche,
Whitney is a leading supplier in the United States, and has market positions in
both Europe and Asia. Whitney continually evaluates new approaches to metal
cutting such as laser technology, but to date has not found such technology to
be competitive with Whitney's current systems in its market niche.

OTHER

EQUIPMENT SALES CO. acts as a sales representative for various
manufacturers' products sold to the PCB assembly industry, including high-speed
assembly equipment.

TULON CO. produces tungsten carbide drill and router bits, commonly ranging
in size from 5.6mm down to .25mm -- some as small as .10mm -- for use in PCB
drilling equipment. Tulon Co. utilizes computerized equipment which
automatically inspects drill bits and provides the product consistency customers
need for higher-technology drilling. Tulon Co.'s products can be used in
drilling machines produced by other companies as well as the machines produced
by Excellon.

BACKLOG

At October 31, 1995 the backlog of the Automation Group (all of which is
expected to be filled during fiscal 1996) was $35.9 million compared with $29.9
million at October 31, 1994. The increase was primarily attributable to
strengthening markets and strong customer acceptance of Excellon's newer
products.

AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE GROUP

The Aerospace and Defense Group consists of five subsidiaries of which
Auxitrol and Armtec are the principal subsidiaries. In fiscal 1994 and 1995, the
Aerospace and Defense Group accounted for 32% and 28% respectively, of the
Company's net sales. Hytek Finishes Co., Midcon Cables Co. and TA Mfg. Co.
comprise the remaining companies in the Aerospace and Defense Group.

ARMTEC

Armtec manufactures molded fiber cartridge cases, mortar increments, igniter
tubes and other combustible ammunition components for the United States Armed
Forces and licenses such technology to foreign defense contractors and
governments. Armtec currently is a principal U.S. producer of combustible
ordnance products utilized by the U.S. Army. These products include the 120mm
combustible case used as the main armament system on the U.S. Army's M-1A1 and
M-1A2 tanks, the 60mm, 81mm and 120mm combustible mortar increments, and the
155mm combustible case for artillery ammunition. As opposed to metal cartridge
casings, Armtec's products are part of the ammunition propulsion system and are
combusted when fired. In conjunction with the U.S. Army's development of an
improved solid propellant propulsion system for 155mm artillery, Armtec is
developing what management expects will become the next generation of
specialized modular cartridge cases.

18
<PAGE>
AUXITROL

Auxitrol, headquartered in France, manufactures high precision temperature
and pressure sensing devices used primarily in aerospace and aviation
applications, liquid level measurement devices for ships and storage tanks,
pneumatic accessories (including pressure gauges and regulators) and industrial
alarms. Auxitrol's principal customers are jet engine and rocket motor
manufacturers, aerospace equipment manufacturers, shipbuilders, petroleum
companies, processors and electric utilities. Exhaust gas temperature sensing
equipment for a jet engine manufacturer constitutes a significant portion of
Auxitrol's sales. Auxitrol also distributes products manufactured by others,
including valves, temperature and pressure switches and flow gauges.

Auxitrol also manufactures electrical penetration devices under license for
certain European and other foreign nuclear power plants. These penetration
devices permit electrical signals to go into and out of containment domes while
maintaining pressure integrity and signal continuity. In addition, Auxitrol has
entered into a joint venture with a Russian company to facilitate use of its
penetration devices in retrofitting the aging nuclear plants in Eastern Europe,
where growing industrialization requires new power sources.

OTHER

HYTEK FINISHES CO. provides specialized metal finishing and inspection
services, including plating, anodizing, polishing, non-destructive testing and
organic coatings, primarily to the commercial aircraft, aerospace and
electronics markets. Hytek also has an automated tin-lead plating line,
employing among the most advanced automated plating technology, to serve the
semi-conductor industry.

MIDCON CABLES CO. manufactures electronic and electrical cable assemblies
and cable harnesses for the military, government contractors and the commercial
electronics market, offering both product design services and assembly of
product to customer specifications. Its proprietary cable, trademarked EverFlex,
uses an internally developed, patented design to provide a unique solution to
significant problems in wiring applications involving vibration, abrasion and
repetitive movement.

TA MFG. CO. designs and manufactures specialty clamps and elastomeric
compounds in custom molded shapes for wiring and tubing installations for
airframe and jet engine manufacturers as well as military and commercial airline
aftermarkets. TA's products include proprietary elastomers which are
specifically formulated for various extreme applications, including
high-temperature environments on or near a jet engine.

BACKLOG

At October 31, 1995 the backlog of the Aerospace and Defense Group (of which
$4.6 million is expected to be filled after fiscal 1996) was $36.3 million,
compared with $38.9 million at October 31, 1994.

INSTRUMENTATION GROUP

The Instrumentation Group consists of three subsidiaries of which Federal
and Korry are the principal subsidiaries. In fiscal 1994 and 1995, the Group's
net sales represented 31% and 28%, respectively, of the Company's net sales.
Angus Electronics Co. is the other company in the Instrumentation Group.

FEDERAL

Federal manufactures a broad line of high-precision analog and digital
dimensional and surface measurement and inspection instruments and systems for a
wide range of industrial quality control and scientific applications.
Manufacturers use Federal equipment for direct shop-floor inspections to reduce
costly rework at more advanced production stages. Federal's products include:
dial indicators, air gauges and other precision gauges; electronic gauges for
use where high-precision measurement is required; and custom-built and dedicated
semi-automatic and automatic gauging systems. Distributed products manufactured
by others include laser interferometer systems used primarily to check machine
tool calibrations. Federal equipment is used extensively in precision metal
working. Its markets include the automotive, farm implement, construction
equipment, aerospace, ordnance and bearing industries.

In each of fiscal years 1993, 1994 and 1995, gauge products manufactured by
Federal accounted for 13%, 13% and 12%, respectively, of the Company's
consolidated net sales.

19
<PAGE>
KORRY

Korry is a market and technology leader in the manufacture of
high-reliability electro-optical components and systems, illuminated push button
switches, indicators, panels and keyboards that act as human interfaces in a
broad variety of control and display applications for the aerospace and defense
industry. Korry's products have been designed into many existing aircraft
systems, and as a result, Korry enjoys a considerable spares and retrofit
business. Korry's customers include original equipment manufacturers and the
aftermarkets (equipment operators and spare parts distributors), primarily in
the commercial aviation, military airborne, ground-based military equipment and
shipboard military equipment markets. Korry's proprietary products provide its
customers with a significant technological advantage in such areas as night
vision--a top defense priority--and in the area of active matrix liquid crystal
displays, a technology expected to have broad usage in commercial aerospace and
military applications.

OTHER

ANGUS ELECTRONICS CO. manufactures recording instruments together with other
analytical and process, and environmental monitoring instrumentation. These
include analog strip chart and digital printout recorders as well as electronic
and multi-channel microprocessor-based recording equipment. Customers of Angus
Electronics include industrial equipment manufacturers, electric utilities,
scientific laboratories, pharmaceutical manufacturers and process industries.

BACKLOG

At October 31, 1995, the backlog of the Instrumentation Group (of which $7.4
million is expected to be filled after fiscal 1996) was $31.1 million compared
with $28.0 million at October 31, 1994.

MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION

For most of the Company's products, the maintenance of a service capability
is an integral part of the marketing function. Each of the Company's separate
operating units maintains its own separate and distinct sales force or
distributor relationships.

Automation Group products manufactured by Excellon are marketed domestically
principally through employees and in foreign markets through employees, and
independent distributors. Whitney products are sold principally through
independent distributors and representatives.

Aerospace and Defense Group products manufactured by Armtec are marketed
domestically and abroad by employees and independent representatives. Auxitrol's
products are marketed in Europe through employees and independent
representatives.

Instrumentation Group products manufactured by Federal and Korry are
marketed domestically principally through employees, and in foreign markets
through both employees and independent representatives.

EMPLOYEES

The Company and its subsidiaries had 2,849 employees at October 31, 1995.
Less than 10% of these employees were members of an organized labor union.

COMPETITION AND PATENTS

The Company's subsidiaries experience varying degrees of competition with
respect to all of their products and services. Most subsidiaries are in
specialized market niches with relatively few competitors. The Company competes
in most markets it serves with numerous other companies, many of which have far
greater sales volume and financial resources than the Company. The principal
competitive factors in the commercial markets in which the Company participates
are product performance and service. Part of product performance requires
expenditures in research and development that lead to product improvement on a
rapid basis. The market for many of the Company's products maybe affected by
rapid and significant technological changes and new product introduction.
Current competitors or new entrants could introduce new products with features
that render the Company's products obsolete or less marketable. Excellon's
principal competitors are Hitachi, Ltd. and Pluritec. Whitney's principal
competitors are Mazak, Cincinnati

20
<PAGE>
Milacron, U.S. Amada, and Trumpf. Auxitrol's principal competitors are Ametek
and Rosemount. Federal's principal competitors are Starrett and Mitutoyo.
Korry's principal competitors are Eaton-MSC and Ducommun Jay-El. See "Risk
Factors -- Competition."

The subsidiaries hold a number of patents but in general rely on technical
superiority, exclusive features in their equipment and marketing and service to
customers to meet competition. Licenses which help maintain a significant
advantage over competition include a long-term license agreement under which
Auxitrol manufactures and sells electrical penetration assemblies.

SOURCES AND AVAILABILITY OF RAW MATERIALS AND COMPONENTS

Due to the Company's diversification, the sources and availability of raw
materials and components are not nearly as important as they would be for a
company that manufactures a single product. In general, the Company is not
dependent for its raw materials and components upon any one source of supply.
However, certain components and supplies such as air bearing spindles purchased
by Excellon and hydraulic components purchased by Whitney and certain other raw
materials and components purchased by other subsidiaries are purchased from a
single source. In such instances, ongoing efforts are conducted to develop
alternative sources or designs to help avoid the possibility of any business
impairment.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

The Company is subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws,
regulations and ordinances that (i) govern activities or operations that may
have adverse environmental effects, such as discharges to air and water, as well
as handling and disposal practices for solid and hazardous wastes, and (ii)
impose liability for the costs of cleaning up, and certain damages resulting
from, sites of past spills, disposals or other releases of hazardous substances
(together, "Environmental Laws").

The Company's various operations use certain substances and generate certain
wastes that are regulated as or may be deemed hazardous under applicable
Environmental Laws, or for which the Company has incurred cleanup obligations.
While the Company endeavors at each of its facilities to assure compliance with
Environmental Laws and regulations, from time to time, operations of the Company
have resulted or may result in certain noncompliance with applicable
requirements under Environmental Laws for which the Company has incurred cleanup
and related costs. However, the Company believes that any such noncompliance or
cleanup liability under current Environmental Laws would not have a material
adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial condition.

The Company has been identified as a potentially responsible party ("PRP"),
pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act of 1980, as amended ("CERCLA" or "Superfund"), and analogous state
Environmental Laws, for the cleanup of contamination resulting from past
disposals of hazardous wastes at certain sites to which the Company, among
others, sent wastes in the past. CERCLA requires PRPs to pay for cleanup of
sites from which there has been a release or threatened release of hazardous
substances. Courts have interpreted CERCLA to impose strict, joint and several
liability upon all persons liable for cleanup costs. As a practical matter,
however, at sites where there are multiple PRPs, the costs of cleanup typically
are allocated among the parties according to a volumetric or other standard.
Although there can be no assurance, the Company believes, based on, among other
things, a review of the data available to the Company regarding each such site,
including the minor volumes of waste which the Company is alleged to have
contributed, and a comparison of the Company's liability at each such site to
settlements previously reached by the Company in similar cases, that its
liability for such matters will not be material. Nonetheless, until the
Company's proportionate share is finally determined at each such site, there can
be no assurance that such matters, or any similar liabilities that arise in the
future, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of
operations or financial condition.

21
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

The names and ages of all directors and executive officers of the Company
and the positions and offices held by such persons are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME POSITION WITH THE COMPANY AGE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------- ---
<S> <C> <C>
Wendell P. Hurlbut Chairman, President and Chief Executive 64
Officer
Gilbert W. Anderson Director 67
John F. Clearman Director 58
Edwin I. Colodny Director 69
E. John Finn Director 64
Robert F. Goldhammer Director 64
Jerome J. Meyer Director 57
Paul G. Schloemer Director 67
Malcolm T. Stamper Director 70
Robert W. Stevenson Executive Vice President, Chief 56
Financial Officer, Secretary and
Treasurer
Robert W. Cremin Senior Vice President and Group 55
Executive
Larry A. Kring Group Vice President 55
Stephen R. Larson Group Vice President 51
Marcia J.M. Greenberg Vice President, Human Relations 43
</TABLE>

The Board of Directors of the Company is divided into three classes of
directors whose terms expire in 1996 (Messrs. Finn, Goldhammer and Meyer), 1997
(Messrs. Anderson, Hurlbut and Stamper) and 1998 (Messrs. Clearman, Colodny and
Schloemer). Set forth below is a description of the background of directors and
executive officers of the Company.

Mr. Hurlbut has been Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company since January 1993. From February 1989 through December 1992, he was
President and Chief Executive Officer. From June 1988 to February 1989, he was
President and Chief Operating Officer. From November 1987 to June 1988, he was
Executive Vice President, Operations. From October 1978 to September 1989, Mr.
Hurlbut served in various capacities ranging from Group Vice President to
President and Chief Executive Officer of Criton Technologies. From November 1972
to October 1978 he served as President of Heath Tecna Aerospace Company. Mr.
Hurlbut has a B.S. degree in Engineering from the University of Washington. Mr.
Hurlbut is also a member of the Board of Directors of the National Association
of Manufacturers. He has been a director of the Company since 1989.

Mr. Anderson is the retired President and Chief Executive Officer of
Physio-Control Corporation (a medical equipment manufacturer), having held such
positions from 1986 to 1991 and is a private investor. He is also a director of
Key Trust Company of the Northwest and SpaceLabs Medical. He has been a director
of the Company since 1991.

Mr. Clearman is the retired President and Chief Executive Officer of NC
Machinery Co. (a heavy machinery distributor), having held such positions from
1986 through 1994, and is the Vice Chairman of Metropolitan Bancorp. He has been
a director of the Company since 1989.

Mr. Colodny is the retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of USAir
Group, Inc. (an airline holding company), having held such positions from 1983
to 1991 and is Of Counsel at Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker. Mr. Colodny is a
director of USAir Group, Inc., Lockheed Martin Corporation, Comsat, Inc. and
Ascent Entertainment Group, Inc. He has been a director of the Company since
1992.

22
<PAGE>
Mr. Finn is the retired Chairman and Partner of Dorr-Oliver Incorporated (a
fluid/particle treatment equipment manufacturer), having held such positions
from 1988 to 1995, and is a director of and consultant to Dorr-Oliver
Incorporated. He is also a director of Advanced Refractory Technologies and
Stanley Technology Group, Inc. and is on the Advisory Board of Bay Mills Ltd. He
has been a director of the Company since 1989.

Mr. Goldhammer has been the Chairman of ImClone Systems, Incorporated (a
biotechnology company) since 1984. Prior thereto, he was a partner at Rohammer
Corporation from 1989 to 1991. He is a director of EG&G, Inc. and a partner at
Concord International Investments Group L.P., and has been a director of the
Company since 1974.

Mr. Meyer has been the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Tektronix,
Inc. (an electronic equipment manufacturer) since 1990 and was the President of
Industrial Group of Honeywell, Inc. from 1988 to 1990. He is a director of
Portland General Corporation and Standard Insurance Company. He has been a
director of the Company since 1992.

Mr. Schloemer is the retired President and Chief Executive Officer of Parker
Hannifin Corporation (a manufacturer of motion control products), having held
such positions from 1984 to 1993 and is a director of Parker Hannifin
Corporation, Rubbermaid Incorporated and AMP Incorporated. He has been a
director of the Company since 1993.

Mr. Stamper is the retired President and Vice Chairman of The Boeing Company
(an aerospace company), having held such positions from 1985 to 1992 and has
been the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Publisher of Storytellers Ink
since 1990. He is a director of Chrysler Corporation and Whittaker Corp. He has
been a director of the Company since 1991.

Mr. Stevenson has been Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer,
Secretary and Treasurer since October 1987. From March 1968 to September 1989,
Mr. Stevenson served in various capacities ranging from Assistant Controller to
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of Criton
Technologies. Mr. Stevenson has an M.B.A. from the Wharton School of Business at
the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. degree from Stanford University.

Mr. Cremin has been Senior Vice President and Group Executive since January
1991. From October 1987 to December 1990, he was Group Vice President. From July
1976 to September 1989, Mr. Cremin served in various capacities ranging from
Director, Program Analysis to Group Vice President of Criton Technologies. Mr.
Cremin has an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and a B.S. degree in
Metallurgical Engineering from Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn.

Mr. Kring has been Group Vice President since August 1993. From November
1978 to July 1993, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Heath Tecna
Aerospace Co., a unit of Ciba Composites Division, Anaheim, California. Mr.
Kring has an M.B.A. from California State University at Northridge and a B.S.
degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Purdue University. He is a director of
Active Apparel Group, Inc.

Mr. Larson has been Group Vice President since April 1991. From February
1978 to March 1993, he held various executive positions with Korry Electronics,
part of Criton Technologies, including President and Executive Vice President,
Marketing. Mr. Larson has an M.B.A. degree from the University of Chicago and a
B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from Northwestern University.

Ms. Greenberg has been Vice President, Human Relations since March 1993.
From January 1992 to February 1993, she was a partner in the law firm of Bogle &
Gates, Seattle, Washington. From August 1984 to December 1991, she was an
associate attorney in the law firm of Bogle & Gates. Ms. Greenberg has a J.D.
degree from Northwestern University School of Law and a B.A. from Portland State
University.

23
<PAGE>
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial
ownership of the Company's Common Stock as of February 7, 1996, by (i) each
person or entity who is known by the Company to own beneficially more than 5% of
the Company's Common Stock, (ii) each of the Company's directors, (iii) each of
the Company's named executive officers, and (iv) all directors and executive
officers of the Company as a group.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF PERCENT OF
NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER(1) SHARES(2) CLASS
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
The Prudential Insurance Company of America 661,389(3) 9.9%
Prudential Plaza
Newark, NJ 07102
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. 350,600(4) 5.3%
World Financial Center, North Tower
250 Vesey Street
New York, NY 10281
Wendell P. Hurlbut 186,821(5) 2.7%
Robert W. Stevenson 100,362(5)(6) 1.5%
Robert W. Cremin 84,150(5)(6) 1.3%
Stephen R. Larson 62,500(5) *
Larry A. Kring 50,200(5) *
E. John Finn 18,344 *
Robert F. Goldhammer 11,094 *
John F. Clearman 5,344 *
Gilbert W. Anderson 2,466 *
Edwin I. Colodny 2,344 *
Jerome J. Meyer 1,344 *
Paul G. Schloemer 1,344 *
Malcolm T. Stamper 1,344 *
Directors and executive officers as a group (14 persons) 535,157(5)(6) 7.5%
<FN>
- --------------------------
* Less than 1%.
(1) Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each of the
shareholders named in this table is Esterline Technologies Corporation,
10800 NE 8th Street, Bellevue, Washington 98004.
(2) Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to this table, the person and
entities named in the table have sole voting and sole investment power with
respect to all shares beneficially owned, subject to community property
laws where applicable.
(3) The holding shown is based on a Schedule 13G filed with the Commission on
or about April 10, 1995 by The Prudential Insurance Company of America, an
insurance company, a registered broker-dealer and a registered investment
advisor that disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares. Based on the
information in such filing, shared voting and dispositive power is reported
with respect to all of the shares. Management believes, however, that The
Prudential Insurance Company of America has reduced its beneficial
ownership to 403,000 shares, representing 6.1% of the class.
(4) The holding shown is based on an amended Schedule 13G jointly filed with
the Commission on or about February 14, 1995, by Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.,
a holding company, Merrill Lynch Group, Inc., a holding company, Princeton
Services, Inc., a holding company, Fund Asset Management, L.P. a registered
investment advisor, and Merrill Lynch Phoenix Fund, Inc., a registered
investment company. All parties to the joint filing disclaim, beneficial
ownership of these shares. Based on the information in such filing shared
voting and dispositive power is reported with respect to all of the shares.
Management believes, however, that Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. has reduced
its beneficial ownership to 250,000 shares, representing 3.8% of the class.
(5) Includes shares subject to options granted under the Company's 1987 Stock
Option Plan which are exercisable currently or within 60 days of February
7, 1996 as follows: Mr. Cremin, 81,250 shares; Mr. Hurlbut, 147,500 shares;
Mr. Kring, 45,000 shares; Mr. Larson, 62,500 shares, Mr. Stevenson, 90,000
shares; and directors, nominees and executive officers as a group, 433,750
shares.
(6) Includes shares held in the name of children as follows: Mr. Cremin, 300
shares and Mr. Stevenson, 3,400 shares.
</TABLE>

24
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

GENERAL

The Company's authorized capital stock consists of 30,500,000 shares, of
which 30,000,000 shares are Common Stock, par value $.20 per share (the "Common
Stock"), including 947,000 shares reserved for issuance upon exercise of
options; 25,000 shares are Preferred Stock, par value $100 per share (the
"Preferred Stock"), issuable in series; 475,000 shares are Serial Preferred
Stock, par value $1 per share (the "Serial Preferred Stock"), also issuable in
series. Of the Serial Preferred Stock, 100,000 shares have been designated
Series A Serial Preferred Stock, par value $1 per share (the "Series A Serial
Preferred Stock"), and reserved for issuance pursuant to the Company's Rights
Plan (defined below). The following summary description of the capital stock of
the Company does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended,
the Company's Bylaws, and the Rights Agreement dated as of December 9, 1992, as
amended, between the Company and Chemical Bank, as rights agent thereunder, and
to Delaware corporation law.

COMMON STOCK

Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on all
matters submitted to a vote of stockholders and do not have cumulative voting
rights. The Board of Directors is currently comprised of nine members having
staggered terms, one-third of whom are elected at each year's annual meeting to
serve a three-year term. Holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive ratably
such dividends, if any, as may be declared by the Board of Directors out of
funds legally available therefor, subject to any preferential dividend rights of
outstanding Preferred Stock or Serial Preferred Stock. Upon the liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Company, the holders of the Common Stock are
entitled to receive ratably the net assets of the Company available after the
payment of all debts and other liabilities and subject to the prior rights of
any outstanding Preferred Stock or Serial Preferred Stock. Holders of Common
Stock have no preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. The
shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately following the completion of this
offering will be fully paid and nonassessable. The rights, preferences and
privileges of holders of Common Stock are subject to, and may be adversely
affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of Preferred
Stock or Serial Preferred Stock that the Company may designate and issue in the
future. As of February 7, 1996, there were 6,658,560 shares of Common Stock
outstanding. The Common Stock is currently listed and traded on the New York
Stock Exchange.

PREFERRED STOCK AND SERIAL PREFERRED STOCK

The Preferred Stock and Serial Preferred Stock may be issued from time to
time in one or more series with such designations, preferences and relative
participating, optional, or other special rights and qualifications, limitations
or restrictions thereof, as shall be stated in the resolutions adopted by the
Board of Directors providing for the issuance of such Preferred Stock and Serial
Preferred Stock or series thereof. The Board of Directors is expressly vested
with authority to fix such designations, preferences and relative participating,
optional or other special rights, or qualifications, limitations or restrictions
for each series, including, but not by way of limitation, the power to fix the
redemption and liquidating preferences, the rate of dividends payable and the
time for and priority of payment thereof and to determine whether such dividends
shall be cumulative or not and to provide for and fix the terms of conversion of
such Preferred Stock or Serial Preferred Stock or any series thereof into Common
Stock of the Company and to fix the voting power, if any, of shares of Preferred
Stock or Serial Preferred Stock or any series thereof at elections of directors,
provided that the voting rights of the Preferred Stock or Serial Preferred Stock
so fixed shall not exceed one (1) vote per share. The issuance of the Preferred
Stock and Serial Preferred Stock, while providing flexibility in connection with
possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes could, among other things,
adversely affect the rights of the holders of Common Stock, and, under certain
circumstances, make it more difficult for a third party to gain control of the
Company. In the event that shares of Preferred Stock or Serial Preferred Stock
are issued as convertible securities, convertible into shares of Common Stock,
the holders of Common Stock may experience dilution. As of the date hereof there
were no shares of Preferred Stock or Serial Preferred Stock outstanding.
However, in connection with the adoption of the Company's stockholders' Rights
Plan the Company has designated and reserved for issuance, upon exercise of
rights granted to its stockholders, 100,000 shares of Series A Serial Preferred
Stock.

25
<PAGE>
RIGHTS PLAN

On December 9, 1992, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a
dividend distribution of one Right for each outstanding share of the Company's
Common Stock to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 23,
1992 (the "Rights Plan"). Each Right initially entitles the registered holder to
purchase from the Company one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Serial
Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share at a Purchase Price of $56 per
one-one hundreth of a share, subject to adjustment.

Initially, the Rights will be attached to all Common Stock certificates
representing shares then outstanding, and no separate Rights Certificates will
be distributed. The Rights will separate from the Common Stock and a
Distribution Date will occur upon the earlier of (i) 10 days following a public
announcement that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons (an
"Acquiring Person") has acquired, or obtained the right to acquire, beneficial
ownership of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (the "Stock
Acquisition Date"), or (ii) 10 business days (or such later date as the Board
shall determine) following the commencement of a tender or exchange offer that
would result in a person or group beneficially owning 10% or more of such
outstanding shares of Common Stock. Until the Distribution Date, (i) the Rights
will be evidenced by the Common Stock certificates and will be transferred with
and only with such Common Stock certificates, (ii) new Common Stock certificates
issued after December 23, 1992 contain a notation incorporating the Rights
Agreement by reference and (iii) the surrender for transfer of any certificates
for Common Stock outstanding will also constitute the transfer of the Rights
associated with the Common Stock represented by such certificate. Pursuant to
the Rights Agreement, the Company reserves the right to require prior to the
occurrence of a Triggering Event (as defined below) that, upon any exercise of
Rights, a number of Rights be exercised so that only whole shares of Series A
Serial Preferred Stock will be issued.

The Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date and will expire
at the close of business on December 23, 2002, unless earlier redeemed by the
Company as described below.

As soon as practicable after the Distribution Date, Rights Certificates will
be mailed to holders of record of the Common Stock as of the close of business
on the Distribution Date and, thereafter, the separate Rights Certificates alone
will represent the Rights. Except as otherwise determined by the Board of
Directors, only shares of Common Stock issued prior to the Distribution Date
will be issued with Rights.

In the event that, at any time following the Distribution Date, (i) the
Company is the surviving corporation in a merger with an Acquiring Person and
its Common Stock is not changed or exchanged, (ii) a person becomes the
beneficial owner of more than 15% of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock
(except pursuant to an offer for all outstanding shares of Common Stock which
the independent directors determine to be fair to and otherwise in the best
interests of the Company and its stockholders (a "Fair Offer")), (iii) an
Acquiring Person engages in one or more "self-dealing" transactions as set forth
in the Rights Agreement, or (iv) during such time as there is an Acquiring
Person, an event occurs which results in such Acquiring Person's ownership
interest being increased by more than 1% (E.G., a reverse stock split), each
holder of a Right will thereafter have the right to receive, upon exercise,
Common Stock (or, in certain circumstances, cash, property or other securities
of the Company) having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the
Right. Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, following the occurrence of any of
the events set forth in this paragraph, all Rights that are, or (under certain
circumstances specified in the Rights Agreement) were, beneficially owned by an
Acquiring Person will be null and void. However, Rights are not exercisable
following the occurrence of either of the events set forth above until such time
as the Rights are no longer redeemable by the Company as set forth below.

In the event that, at any time following the Stock Acquisition Date, (i) the
Company is acquired in a merger or other business combination transaction in
which the Company is not the surviving corporation (other than a merger
described in the preceding paragraph or a merger which follows a Fair Offer, or
(ii) 50% or more of the Company's assets or earning power is sold or
transferred, each holder of a Right (except Rights which previously have been
voided as set forth above) shall thereafter have the right to

26
<PAGE>
receive, upon exercise, common stock of the acquiring company having a value
equal to two times the exercise price of the Right. The events set forth in this
paragraph and in the preceding paragraph are referred to as the "Triggering
Events."

The Purchase Price payable, and the number of shares of Series A Serial
Preferred Stock or other securities or property issuable, upon exercise of the
Rights are subject to adjustment from time to time to prevent dilution (i) in
the event of a stock dividend on, or a subdivision, combination or
reclassification of, the Series A Serial Preferred Stock, (ii) if holders of the
Series A Serial Preferred Stock are granted certain rights or warrants to
subscribe for Series A Preferred Stock, or convertible securities at less than
the current market price of the Series A Serial Preferred Stock, or (iii) upon
the distribution to holders of the Series A Serial Preferred Stock of evidences
of indebtedness or assets (excluding regular quarterly cash dividends) or of
subscription rights or warrants (other than those referred to above).

With certain exceptions, no adjustment in the Purchase Price will be
required until cumulative adjustments amount to at least 1% of the Purchase
Price. No fractional shares will be issued and, in lieu thereof, an adjustment
in cash will be made based on the market price of the Series A Serial Preferred
Stock on the last trading date prior to the date of exercise.

At any time until ten days following the Stock Acquisition Date, the Company
may redeem the Rights in whole, but not in part, at a price of $.01 per Right
(payable in cash, Common Stock or other consideration deemed appropriate by the
Board of Directors). After the redemption period has expired, the Company's
right of redemption may be reinstated if an Acquiring Person reduces his
beneficial ownership to less than 10% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock
in a transaction or series of transactions not involving the Company.
Immediately upon the action of the Board of Directors ordering redemption of the
Rights, the Rights will terminate and the only right of the holders of Rights
will be to receive $.01 redemption price.

Until a Right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will have no rights
as a stockholder of the Company, including, without limitation, the right to
vote or to receive dividends.

Other than those provisions relating to the principal economic terms of the
Rights, any of the provisions of the Rights Agreement may be amended by the
Board of Directors of the Company prior to the Distribution Date. After the
Distribution Date, the provisions of the Rights Agreement may be amended by the
Board in order to cure any ambiguity, to make changes which do not adversely
affect the interests of holders of Rights (excluding the interests of any
Acquiring Person), or to shorten or lengthen any time period under the Rights
Agreement; PROVIDED, however, that no amendment to adjust the time period
governing redemption shall be made at such time as the Rights are not
redeemable.

The Rights may have certain anti-takeover effects. The Rights are designed
to cause substantial dilution to any Acquiring Person that attempts to merge or
consolidate with, or that takes certain other actions affecting, the Company on
terms not approved by the Board of Directors of the Company. The Company does
not believe that the Rights will interfere with any merger or other business
combination approved by the Board of Directors of the Company since the Rights
may be redeemed by the Company as provided above.

SECTION 203 OF DELAWARE CORPORATION LAW

The Company is subject to the "business combination" statute of the Delaware
General Corporation Law (Section 203). In general, such statute prohibits a
publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in various "business
combination" transactions with any "interested stockholder" for a period of
three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an
"interested stockholder," unless (i) such transaction is approved by the Board
of Directors prior to the date the interested stockholder obtains such status,
(ii) upon consummation of the transaction the interested stockholder
beneficially owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation
outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of
determining the number of shares outstanding those shares owned by (a) persons
who are directors and also officers and (b) employee stock plans in which
employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether
shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer,
or (iii) the "business combination" is approved by the Board of Directors and
authorized at an annual

27
<PAGE>
or special meeting of stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3%
of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the "interested
stockholder." A "business combination" includes mergers, asset sales and other
transactions resulting in financial benefit to an "interested stockholder." An
"interested stockholder" is a person who, together with affiliates and
associates, owns (or within three years, did own) 15% or more of a corporation's
voting stock. The statute could prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover or
change in control attempts with respect to the Company and, accordingly, may
discourage attempts to acquire the Company.

CERTAIN EFFECTS OF AUTHORIZED BUT UNISSUED STOCK

Under the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, upon
the sale of the Common Stock offered hereby there will be 21,554,786 shares of
Common Stock authorized but unissued (assuming no exercise of options) and
25,000 shares of Preferred Stock and 475,000 shares of Serial Preferred Stock
authorized but unissued for future issuance without additional stockholder
approval. These additional shares may be utilized for a variety of corporate
purposes, including future offerings to raise additional capital or to
facilitate corporate acquisitions.

One of the effects of the existence of unissued and unreserved Common Stock,
Preferred Stock or Serial Peferred Stock may be to enable the Board to issue
shares to persons friendly to current management which could render more
difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of the Company by means of
a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise, and thereby protect the
continuity of management. Such additional shares also could be used to dilute
the stock ownership of persons seeking to obtain control of the Company.

The issuance of Preferred Stock or Serial Preferred Stock could have the
effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of the Company. The
issuance of Preferred Stock or Serial Preferred Stock could decrease the amount
of earnings and assets available for distribution to the holders of Common Stock
or could adversely affect the rights and powers, including voting rights of the
holders of the Common Stock. In certain circumstances, such issuance could have
the effect of decreasing the market price of the Common Stock.

The Company does not currently have any plans to issue additional shares of
Common Stock Preferred Stock or Serial Preferred Stock other than shares of
Common Stock and associated Series A Serial Preferred Stock which may be issued
upon the exercise of options which have been granted or which may be granted in
the future to directors, officers, and employees of the Company.

INDEMNIFICATION

The Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, contains a provision
that limits the liability of the Company's directors for monetary damages for
breach of fiduciary duty as a director to the fullest extent permitted by the
Delaware corporation law. Such limitation does not, however, affect the
liability of a director unless such director acted in good faith and in a manner
he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
Company, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no
reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. The effect of this
provision is to eliminate the rights of the Company and its stockholders
(through stockholders' derivative suits on behalf of the Company) to recover
monetary damages against a director for breach of the fiduciary duty of care as
a director (including breaches resulting from negligent or grossly negligent
behavior) except in certain situations. This provision does not limit or
eliminate the rights of the Company or any stockholder to seek non-monetary
relief such as an injunction or rescission in the event of a breach of a
director's duty of care. In addition, the directors and officers of the Company
have indemnification and directors and officers liability protection.

REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT

The registrar and transfer agent for the Common Stock is Chemical Mellon
Shareholder Services.

28
<PAGE>
UNDERWRITING

The U.S. Underwriters named below, acting through PaineWebber Incorporated,
Ragen MacKenzie Incorporated, and Pacific Crest Securities Inc., as
Representatives (the "Representatives"), have severally agreed, subject to the
terms and conditions set forth in the Underwriting Agreement by and among the
Company and the U.S. Underwriters (the "U.S. Underwriting Agreement"), to
purchase from the Company, and the Company has agreed to sell to the U.S.
Underwriters, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock set forth opposite
their names below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
U.S. UNDERWRITERS SHARES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------
<S> <C>
PaineWebber Incorporated............................................... 350,000
Ragen MacKenzie Incorporated........................................... 350,000
Pacific Crest Securities Inc........................................... 165,000
Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc................................................ 50,000
Alex. Brown & Sons Incorporated........................................ 50,000
A. G. Edwards & Sons, Inc.............................................. 50,000
Lehman Brothers........................................................ 50,000
Oppenheimer & Co., Inc................................................. 50,000
Schroder Wertheim & Co. Incorporated................................... 50,000
Dain Bosworth Incorporated............................................. 25,000
D. A. Davidson & Co. Incorporated...................................... 25,000
EVEREN Securities, Inc................................................. 25,000
Fahnestock & Co. Inc................................................... 25,000
Jefferies & Company, Inc............................................... 25,000
C. L. King & Associates................................................ 25,000
Ladenburg, Thalmann & Co., Inc......................................... 25,000
Pennsylvania Merchant Group Ltd........................................ 25,000
Rauscher Pierce Refsnes, Inc........................................... 25,000
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated............................... 25,000
Sutro & Co. Incorporated............................................... 25,000
----------
Total................................................................ 1,440,000
----------
----------
</TABLE>

In addition, the International Underwriters (together with the U.S.
Underwriters, the "Underwriters"), in a concurrent offering of the Common Stock
to persons other than United States or Canadian Persons (as defined below),
acting through PaineWebber International (U.K.) Ltd., Ragen MacKenzie
Incorporated, and Pacific Crest Securities Inc., as International
Representatives (the "International Representatives"), have severally agreed,
subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Underwriting Agreement by
and among the Company and the International Underwriters (the "International
Underwriting Agreement"), to purchase from the Company, and the Company has
agreed to sell to the International Underwriters, 360,000 shares of Common
Stock.

The U.S. Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligation of the U.S.
Underwriters to purchase the shares of Common Stock listed above is subject to
certain conditions. The U.S. Underwriting Agreement also provides that the U.S.
Underwriters are obligated to purchase, and the Company is obligated to sell,
all the shares of Common Stock offered hereby if any are purchased (without
consideration of any shares that may be purchased through the Underwriters'
over-allotment option). The offering price and underwriting discounts and
commissions under both underwriting agreements are identical. In general, the
closing with respect to the sale of the shares of Common Stock pursuant to the
U.S. Underwriting Agreement is a condition to closing with respect to the sale
of the shares of Common Stock pursuant to the International Underwriting
Agreement and vice versa. PaineWebber International (U.K.) Ltd. is an affiliate
of PaineWebber Incorporated.

The Representatives have advised the Company that the U.S. Underwriters
propose to offer the shares of Common Stock to the public at the public offering
price set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus and

29
<PAGE>
to certain dealers at such price less a concession not in excess of $.67 per
share and that the U.S. Underwriters may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a
concession not in excess of $.10 per share to certain other dealers, including
the U.S. Underwriters. After the shares of Common Stock are released for sale to
the public, the public offering price and concessions and discounts may be
changed by the U.S. Underwriters.

Each U.S. Underwriter has agreed that, as part of the distribution of the
shares of Common Stock, (a) it is not purchasing any shares of Common Stock for
the account of anyone other than a United States or Canadian Person and (b) it
has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, directly or indirectly, any
shares of Common Stock or distribute this Prospectus to any person outside the
United States or Canada or to anyone other than a United States or Canadian
Person. Each International Underwriter has agreed that, as part of the
distribution of the shares of Common Stock, (a) it is not purchasing any shares
of Common Stock for the account of any United States or Canadian Person and (b)
it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, directly or indirectly,
any shares of Common Stock or distribute this Prospectus to any person within
the United States or Canada or to any United States or Canadian Person. The
foregoing limitations do not apply to stabilization transactions or to certain
other transactions specified in the Agreement Between (as defined below). As
used herein, "United States or Canadian Person" means any individual who is
resident in the United States or Canada, or any corporation, pension,
profit-sharing or other trust or other entity organized under or governed by the
laws of the United States or Canada or any political subdivision thereof (other
than a foreign branch of any United States or Canadian Person), and shall
include any United States or Canadian branch of a person other than a United
States or Canadian Person; and "United States" shall mean the United States of
America, its territories, possessions and all areas subject to its jurisdiction.

Each U.S. Underwriter that will offer or sell shares of Common Stock in
Canada as part of the distribution has severally agreed that such offers or
sales will be made only pursuant to an exemption from the prospectus delivery
requirements in each jurisdiction in Canada in which such offers and sales are
made.

The U.S Underwriters and International Underwriters have entered into an
Agreement Between U.S. and International Underwriters (the "Agreement Between")
that provides for the coordination of their activities. Pursuant to the
Agreement Between, sales may be made between the U.S. Underwriters and the
International Underwriters of such number of shares of Common Stock as may be
mutually agreed upon. The per share price of any shares so sold shall be the
public offering price set forth on the cover page of the Prospectus, less an
amount not greater than the per share amount of the concession to dealers set
forth above. To the extent there are sales between the U.S. Underwriters and the
International Underwriters, the number of shares of Common Stock initially
available for sale by the U.S. Underwriters or by the International Underwriters
may be more or less than the amount appearing on the cover page of this
Prospectus.

The Company has granted to the Underwriters an option, expiring at the close
of business on the 30th day subsequent to the effective date of this offering,
to purchase up to an aggregate of 270,000 additional shares of Common Stock at
the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus, less
the underwriting discounts and commissions. The Underwriters may exercise such
option only to cover over-allotments, if any, incurred in the sale of the shares
of Common Stock. To the extent that the Underwriters exercise such option, each
Underwriter will be obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase
approximately the same percentage of such additional shares as the percentage it
is required to purchase of the total number of shares of Common Stock under the
U.S. or International Underwriting Agreement, as the case may be.

The Company has agreed to indemnify the U.S. Underwriters and the
International Underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or to contribute to payments which
the U.S. Underwriters or the International Underwriters may be required to make
in respect thereof.

30
<PAGE>
hereby, the issuance of shares by the Company pursuant to employee stock options
and the issuance of shares or options by the Company pursuant to employee
benefit, stock option and compensation plans of the Company, without the prior
written consent of the Representatives.

LEGAL MATTERS

Certain legal matters with respect to the shares of the Common Stock offered
hereby will be passed upon for the Company by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher &
Flom, Los Angeles, California. Certain legal matters relating to the offering
will be passed upon for the Underwriters by Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy, Los
Angeles, California.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of the Company as of October 31, 1994
and 1995 for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 1995
included in this Prospectus, and related financial statement schedules
incorporated herein by reference, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports appearing herein, and by
reference, and have been so incorporated and included in reliance upon the
reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and
auditing.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and, in accordance
therewith, files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Such reports, proxy
statements and other information filed by the Company may be inspected and
copied at the Commission's regional offices at 7 World Trade Center, 13th Floor,
New York, New York 10048 and Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite
1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661, and inspected and copied or obtained by mail at
prescribed rates from the public reference facilities maintained by the
Commission at its principal offices: 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024,
Washington, D.C. 20549.

The Company's Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The
Company's reports, proxy statements and other information can be inspected and
copied at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York,
New York 10005.

The Company has filed with the Commission a registration statement on Form
S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the Common
Stock described in this Prospectus. This Prospectus does not contain all the
information set forth in the registration statement and exhibits and schedules
thereto. For further information with respect to the Company and the Common
Stock, reference is made to the registration statement and the exhibits and
schedules filed as part thereof. Statements contained in this Prospectus as to
the contents of any contract or any other document referred to are not
necessarily complete, and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy of
such contract or document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement,
each such statement being qualified in all respects by reference to such
exhibit. The registration statement, including exhibits and schedules thereto,
may be inspected without charge or copied in whole or in part at prescribed
rates at the Commission's principal offices set forth above.

31
<PAGE>
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

The following documents, heretofore filed by the Company with the Commission
pursuant to the Exchange Act, are hereby incorporated by reference, except as
superseded or modified herein:

1. The Description of the Company's Common Stock which is contained in the
Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A, dated May 22, 1970.

2. The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and Amendment No. 1 on Form
10-K/A for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1995.

Each document filed subsequent to the date of this prospectus pursuant to
Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 prior
to the termination of the offering shall be deemed to be incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus and shall be part hereof from the date of filing
such document.

The Company will provide a copy of the documents incorporated by reference
herein (other than exhibits to such documents) without charge to each person,
including any beneficial owner, to whom this Prospectus is delivered, upon
written or oral request by such person. Requests should be addressed to:
Esterline Technologies Corporation, 10800 NE 8th Street, Bellevue, Washington
98004, Attention: Director, Corporate Communications (telephone number (206)
453-9400).

32
<PAGE>
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Independent Auditors' Report.................................................... F-2
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the years ended October 31, 1993, 1994
and 1995....................................................................... F-3
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of October 31, 1994 and 1995...................... F-4
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended October 31, 1993, 1994
and 1995....................................................................... F-5
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended October 31,
1993, 1994 and 1995............................................................ F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...................................... F-7
</TABLE>

F-1
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors
Esterline Technologies Corporation
Bellevue, Washington

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Esterline
Technologies Corporation and its subsidiaries as of October 31, 1995 and 1994,
and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity, and
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 1995.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based
on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Esterline Technologies
Corporation and its subsidiaries as of October 31, 1995 and 1994, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended October 31, 1995 in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Seattle, Washington
December 11, 1995

F-2
<PAGE>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,
----------------------------
1993 1994 1995
-------- -------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net Sales................................................... $285,152 $294,044 $351,897
-------- -------- --------
Costs and Expenses
Cost of sales............................................. 175,568 178,397 210,834
Selling, general and administrative....................... 100,669 100,845 112,213
Restructuring provision (credit).......................... 40,626 -- (2,067)
Interest income........................................... (122) (113) (1,156)
Interest expense.......................................... 6,446 6,098 5,598
-------- -------- --------
323,187 285,227 325,422
-------- -------- --------
Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes......................... (38,035) 8,817 26,475
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)................................ (12,400) 1,254 9,094
-------- -------- --------
Net Earnings (Loss)......................................... $(25,635) $ 7,563 $ 17,381
-------- -------- --------
-------- -------- --------
Net Earnings (Loss) Per Share............................... $ (3.90) $ 1.15 $ 2.53
-------- -------- --------
-------- -------- --------
</TABLE>

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

F-3
<PAGE>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
ASSETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OCTOBER 31,
------------------
1994 1995
-------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Current Assets
Cash and equivalents................................................ $ 9,076 $ 22,097
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $2,201 and $4,117 for
doubtful accounts.................................................. 63,685 63,825
Inventories......................................................... 31,673 39,963
Deferred income taxes............................................... 13,002 14,122
Prepaid expenses.................................................... 1,876 2,199
-------- --------
Total Current Assets.............................................. 119,312 142,206
Property, Plant and Equipment
Land................................................................ 3,901 3,913
Buildings........................................................... 43,137 43,669
Machinery and equipment............................................. 98,635 99,076
-------- --------
145,673 146,658
Accumulated depreciation............................................ 94,070 97,426
-------- --------
51,603 49,232
Intangibles, net and Other Assets..................................... 46,609 34,276
-------- --------
Total Assets...................................................... $217,524 $225,714
-------- --------
-------- --------

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable.................................................... $18,927 $ 23,143
Accrued liabilities................................................. 69,426 66,363
Credit facilities................................................... 58 7,721
Current maturities of long-term debt................................ 20,588 7,030
Federal and foreign income taxes.................................... 1,320 2,208
-------- --------
Total Current Liabilities......................................... 110,319 106,465
Long-Term Debt, net of current maturities............................. 41,714 35,543
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 7 and 8)
Shareholders' Equity
Common stock, par value $.20 per share, authorized 30,000,000 shares
issued and outstanding 6,513,057 and 6,645,780 shares.............. 1,302 1,328
Capital in excess of par value...................................... 10,482 10,390
Retained earnings................................................... 54,951 72,332
Cumulative translation adjustment................................... (1,244 ) (344)
-------- --------
Total Shareholders' Equity........................................ 65,491 83,706
-------- --------
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity........................ $217,524 $225,714
-------- --------
-------- --------
</TABLE>

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

F-4
<PAGE>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,
----------------------------
1993 1994 1995
-------- -------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED (USED) BY OPERATING
ACTIVITIES
Net earnings (loss)....................................... $(25,635) $ 7,563 $ 17,381
Restructuring provision (credit).......................... 40,626 -- (2,067)
Depreciation and amortization............................. 19,259 16,414 16,599
Deferred income taxes..................................... (16,558) (1,303) (2,969)
Working capital changes
Accounts receivable..................................... 1,779 (15,625) 280
Inventories............................................. 1,250 7,590 (9,496)
Prepaid expenses........................................ (202) 38 (176)
Accounts payable........................................ (1,959) 3,564 4,121
Accrued liabilities..................................... 2,040 6,910 7,196
Federal and foreign income taxes........................ (1,750) 144 897
Other, net................................................ (1,994) 92 882
-------- -------- --------
16,856 25,387 32,648
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED (USED) BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures...................................... (9,566) (11,288) (11,461)
Capital dispositions...................................... -- 3,945 3,773
-------- -------- --------
(9,566) (7,343) (7,688)
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED (USED) BY FINANCING
ACTIVITIES
Net change in credit facilities........................... 2,462 (5,218) 7,483
Repayment of long-term debt............................... (9,382) (7,290) (19,837)
-------- -------- --------
(6,920) (12,508) (12,354)
-------- -------- --------
Effect of Exchange Rates.................................... (269) 322 415
-------- -------- --------
Net Increase in Cash and Equivalents........................ 101 5,858 13,021
Cash and Equivalents -- Beginning of Year................... 3,117 3,218 9,076
-------- -------- --------
Cash and Equivalents -- End of Year......................... $ 3,218 $ 9,076 $ 22,097
-------- -------- --------
-------- -------- --------
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid during the year for.............................
Interest expense........................................ $ 6,271 $ 6,033 $ 4,577
Income taxes............................................ 2,264 2,212 10,452
</TABLE>

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

F-5
<PAGE>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,
--------------------------
1993 1994 1995
-------- ------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Common Stock, par value $.20 per share
Beginning of year......................................... $ 1,301 $ 1,302 $ 1,302
Stock issued under stock option plans..................... 1 -- 26
-------- ------- -------
End of year............................................... 1,302 1,302 1,328
-------- ------- -------
Capital in Excess of Par Value
Beginning of year......................................... 10,480 10,482 10,482
Stock issued under stock option plans..................... 2 -- (92)
-------- ------- -------
End of year............................................... 10,482 10,482 10,390
-------- ------- -------
Retained Earnings
Beginning of year......................................... 73,023 47,388 54,951
Net earnings (loss)....................................... (25,635) 7,563 17,381
-------- ------- -------
End of year............................................... 47,388 54,951 72,332
-------- ------- -------
Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
Beginning of year......................................... (2,182) (3,849) (1,244)
Aggregate adjustment resulting from foreign currency
translation.............................................. (1,667) 2,605 900
-------- ------- -------
End of year............................................... (3,849) (1,244) (344)
-------- ------- -------
Shareholders' Equity........................................ $ 55,323 $65,491 $83,706
-------- ------- -------
-------- ------- -------
</TABLE>

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

F-6
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PRESENTATION: The consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of Esterline Technologies Corporation and its subsidiaries. All
significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Classifications have been changed for certain amounts in the preceding period to
conform with the current year's financial presentation.

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION: Foreign currency assets and liabilities are
translated into their U.S. dollar equivalents based on year-end exchange rates.
Revenue and expense accounts are generally translated at average exchange rates.
Aggregate exchange gains and losses arising from the translation of foreign
assets and liabilities are included in shareholders' equity. Transaction gains
and losses are included in income and have not been significant in amount.

INVENTORIES: Most inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first in,
first out) or market. Two subsidiaries state their inventories at the lower of
cost (last in, first out) or market. Inventory cost includes material, labor and
factory overhead.

RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED ENGINEERING COSTS: Research, development
and related engineering costs approximated $14,007,000, $13,711,000 and
$16,638,000 in 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively, and are generally expensed as
incurred.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, AND DEPRECIATION: Property, plant and
equipment is carried at cost and includes expenditures for major improvements
which increase useful lives. Depreciation is provided generally on the
straight-line method. For income tax purposes, depreciation is computed using
various accelerated methods.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS: Intangible assets arise primarily from business
acquisitions and include intangibles and the cost of purchased businesses in
excess of amounts assigned to tangible and intangible assets. Intangible assets
are being amortized over estimated lives of up to 40 years.

ASSET VALUATION: The carrying amount of long-life assets is reviewed
periodically. If the asset carrying amount is not recoverable, the asset is
considered to be impaired and the value is adjusted.

MANAGEMENT ESTIMATES: The preparation of financial statements in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reporting period.

ENVIRONMENTAL: Environmental exposures are provided for in total at the
time they are known to exist or are considered reasonably probable.

EARNINGS PER SHARE: Earnings per share are computed using the average
number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during each year
(6,579,000 shares in 1993, 6,571,000 shares in 1994 and 6,870,000 shares in
1995).

CASH EQUIVALENTS: Investments maturing in three months or less are
classified as cash equivalents.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS: The Company's financial instruments include cash and
equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, for which the fair value
approximates carrying value, and credit facilities and long-term debt. The fair
values of credit facilities and long-term debt (see Note 4) were estimated using
interest rates that are currently available to the Company for issuance of debt
with similar terms and remaining maturities.

CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK: Concentrations of credit risk with respect
to accounts receivable are generally diversified due to the large number of
entities comprising the Company's customer base and their dispersion across many
different industries and geographies. The Company performs ongoing credit
evaluations of its customer's financial condition and, in certain circumstances,
utilizes letters of credit and bank guarantees to minimize risk.

F-7
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

2. INVENTORIES
Inventories consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OCTOBER 31,
----------------------
1994 1995
----------- ---------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Raw materials and purchased parts........................... $ 8,770 $ 11,422
Work in process............................................. 16,887 22,052
Finished goods.............................................. 6,016 6,489
----------- ---------
$ 31,673 $ 39,963
----------- ---------
----------- ---------
</TABLE>

At October 31, 1994 and 1995, $8,500,000 and $10,000,000, respectively, of
the Company's total inventories were stated under the last in, first out
inventory method. Had the first in, first out method been used, these
inventories would have been $3,386,000 and $3,896,000 higher than reported at
October 31, 1994 and 1995, respectively.

3. ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Accrued liabilities consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OCTOBER 31,
--------------------
1994 1995
--------- ---------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Payroll and other compensation............................ $ 18,905 $ 19,971
Self-insurance provisions................................. 7,886 7,151
Interest.................................................. 2,770 2,453
Warranties................................................ 3,495 10,202
State and other tax accruals.............................. 7,048 6,912
Accrued restructuring cost................................ 13,698 --
Other..................................................... 15,624 19,674
--------- ---------
$ 69,426 $ 66,363
--------- ---------
--------- ---------
</TABLE>

4. DEBT
Long-term debt consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OCTOBER 31,
----------------------
1994 1995
----------- ---------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
8.75% senior notes, due 2002............................ $ 40,000 $ 40,000
8.25% convertible subordinated debentures, due 1995..... 20,000 --
Other................................................... 2,302 2,573
----------- ---------
62,302 42,573
Less current maturities............................. 20,588 7,030
----------- ---------
$ 41,714 $ 35,543
----------- ---------
----------- ---------
</TABLE>

The 8.75% senior notes are unsecured and payable in equal annual
installments beginning in fiscal 1996. Interest is payable semi-annually in
January and July of each year.

The 8.25% convertible debentures were issued by Esterline International
Finance N.V., a subsidiary of the Company, and were retired in 1995.

F-8
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

4. DEBT (CONTINUED)
The Company has a $35,000,000 unsecured line of credit with a group of
banks. Alternative interest rates are available based on LIBOR, or the lead
bank's prime rate, at the Company's option. There were no amounts borrowed under
the line of credit as of October 31, 1994 and 1995.

The unsecured line of credit contains various restrictions, including
maintenance of net worth, payment of dividends, interest coverage, and
limitations on additional borrowings.

The fair value of the Company's notes payable and long-term debt was
estimated at $61,088,000 and $41,587,000 at October 31, 1994 and 1995,
respectively.

Maturities of long-term debt are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C>
1996.............................................. $ 7,030
1997.............................................. 6,444
1998.............................................. 6,161
1999.............................................. 5,786
2000.............................................. 5,722
2001 and thereafter............................... 11,430
-------
$42,573
-------
-------
</TABLE>

The Company had lines of credit with domestic and foreign banks as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OCTOBER 31,
--------------------
1994 1995
--------- ---------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Outstanding Balance
Domestic.............................................................. $ -- $ --
Foreign............................................................... 58 7,721
--------- ---------
$ 58 $ 7,721
--------- ---------
--------- ---------
Credit Lines
Domestic.............................................................. $ 35,000 $ 35,000
Foreign............................................................... 10,000 10,000
Average Borrowings during the year
Domestic.............................................................. 500 --
Foreign............................................................... 4,500 6,000
Average Interest Rates during the year
Domestic.............................................................. 6.8% --
Foreign............................................................... 7.5% 7.7%
</TABLE>

Letters of credit are considered borrowed funds under the Company's line of
credit. Borrowing capacity under the credit line shown above was reduced by the
outstanding letters of credit of approximately $7,093,000 at October 31, 1995.

5. RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Pension benefits are provided for substantially all U.S. employees under
contributory and non-contributory pension and other plans, and are based on
years of service and five-year average compensation. The Company makes
actuarially computed contributions as necessary to adequately fund benefits. The
actuarial computations assumed discount rates on benefit obligations and
expected long-term rates of return on plan assets of 7.5% and annual
compensation increases of 5%. Investments of the plans primarily consist of U.S.
Government obligations, publicly traded common stocks, mutual funds and
insurance contracts.

F-9
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

5. RETIREMENT BENEFITS (CONTINUED)
Pension expense consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,
---------------------------------
1993 1994 1995
---------- --------- ----------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Service cost-benefits earned during the year................ $ 2,106 $ 2,322 $ 2,316
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation............... 4,248 4,457 4,698
Actual return on plan assets-investment gains............... (10,467) (2,827) (13,189)
Net amortization and deferral............................... 4,487 (3,515) 7,292
---------- --------- ----------
Net pension expense......................................... $ 374 $ 437 $ 1,117
---------- --------- ----------
---------- --------- ----------
</TABLE>

Combined funded status of the plans was as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OCTOBER 31,
--------------------
1994 1995
--------- ---------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Plan assets at fair market value........................................ $ 75,457 $ 83,815
Projected benefit obligation for service rendered to date............... 60,836 62,223
--------- ---------
Plan assets in excess of projected benefit obligation................... 14,621 21,592
Unrecognized net (gain) loss............................................ 552 (7,514)
Unrecognized net asset at November 1, 1985.............................. (2,887) (2,406)
--------- ---------
Prepaid pension expense, included in other assets....................... $ 12,286 $ 11,672
--------- ---------
--------- ---------
Actuarial present value of accumulated benefit obligation, including
vested benefits of $51,489 and $51,716................................. $ 52,602 $ 51,978
--------- ---------
--------- ---------
</TABLE>

The Company has a supplemental retirement plan for key executives providing
for periodic payments upon retirement. The long-term liability under this plan
was $1,549,000 and $2,046,000 as of October 31, 1994 and 1995, respectively.

Provision for all retirement benefits consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,
-------------------------------
1993 1994 1995
--------- --------- ---------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Pension plans...................................................... $ 464 $ 1,232 $ 2,016
Profit-sharing and other plans..................................... 72 -- --
--------- --------- ---------
$ 536 $ 1,232 $ 2,016
--------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- ---------
</TABLE>

6. INCOME TAXES
During 1993, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." The cumulative effect of the change was
not material.

During 1994, the Internal Revenue Service completed an examination of
certain federal income tax returns and reached agreement with the Company on
various filing positions. As a result, the Company recorded a $2,000,000 tax
benefit in the fourth quarter of 1994.

F-10
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

6. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
Income tax expense (benefit) consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,
--------------------------------
1993 1994 1995
---------- --------- ---------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current..................................................... $ 1,695 $ 2,557 $ 12,063
Deferred.................................................... (14,095) (1,303) (2,969)
---------- --------- ---------
$ (12,400) $ 1,254 $ 9,094
---------- --------- ---------
---------- --------- ---------
</TABLE>

Primary components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities
resulted from temporary tax differences associated with the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER
31,
--------------------
1994 1995
--------- ---------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Reserves and liabilities................................................ $ 10,660 $ 15,797
Employee benefits....................................................... 5,357 4,039
Tax credits............................................................. 751 --
Foreign tax loss carryforward........................................... -- 1,627
Restructuring accruals.................................................. 4,863 --
--------- ---------
Total deferred tax assets............................................. 21,631 21,463
--------- ---------
Depreciation and amortization........................................... (4,110) (1,412)
Retirement benefits..................................................... (3,856) (3,417)
--------- ---------
Total deferred tax liabilities........................................ (7,966) (4,829)
--------- ---------
$ 13,665 $ 16,634
--------- ---------
--------- ---------
</TABLE>

A valuation allowance was not required due to the nature of and
circumstances associated with the temporary tax differences.

A reconciliation of the United States federal statutory income tax rate to
the effective income tax rate was as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1993 1994 1995
----- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. statutory income tax rate.............................. (34.0)% 34.0% 35.0%
State income taxes.......................................... (1.1) 6.6 3.5
Foreign tax rates........................................... .7 2.5 (1.5)
Foreign sales corporation................................... (.8) (3.5) (1.7)
Tax settlement.............................................. -- (22.7) --
Other, net.................................................. 2.6 (2.7) (1.0)
----- ----- ----
Effective income tax rate................................... (32.6)% 14.2% 34.3%
----- ----- ----
----- ----- ----
</TABLE>

No provision for federal income taxes has been made on accumulated earnings
of foreign subsidiaries, since such earnings have either been permanently
reinvested or would be substantially offset by foreign tax credits.

7. CONTINGENCIES
In October 1995, the Company identified irregularities in the allocation of
certain labor charges at Armtec, and promptly disclosed these irregularities to
the Department of Defense. Armtec applied for admittance to the Department of
Defense Voluntary Disclosure Program but has not yet been advised

F-11
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

7. CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
regarding its admittance to the Program. The outside attorneys and governmental
contracting consultant that were retained by the Company to assist in this
matter are continuing their internal investigation. At this stage of the
investigation, management believes that the eventual outcome of this issue will
not have a material adverse effect on the financial position or future operating
results of the Company.

The Company has various lawsuits and claims, both offensive and defensive,
and contingent liabilities arising from the conduct of business, including those
associated with government contracting activities, none of which, in the opinion
of management, is expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial
position or results of operations. Liabilities have been accrued for
environmental remediation costs expected to be incurred in the disposition of
manufacturing facilities. No provision has been recorded for environmental
remediation costs which could result from changes in laws or other circumstances
currently not contemplated by the Company.

8. OPERATING LEASES
Net rental expense for operating leases amounted to approximately
$3,241,000, $3,170,000 and $3,103,000 in 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively.

The Company's rental commitments for noncancelable operating leases with a
duration in excess of one year are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C>
1996........................................................ $ 2,739
1997........................................................ 2,413
1998........................................................ 2,375
1999........................................................ 2,118
2000........................................................ 1,926
2001 and thereafter......................................... 1,449
-------
$ 13,020
-------
-------
</TABLE>

9. STOCK OPTION PLANS
At October 31, 1995, the Company had 973,250 shares of common stock reserved
for issuance to officers, directors and key employees under its stock option
plans, of which 218,625 shares were available for future grant. Options granted
under the plans are exercisable over a period of four years following the date
of grant and expire not later than the tenth anniversary of the grant. The
option exercise prices are equal to the fair market value of the Company's
common stock on the date of grant.

F-12
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

9. STOCK OPTION PLANS (CONTINUED)
The following summarizes the changes in outstanding options granted under
the Company's stock option plans:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPTION PRICES
SHARES PER SHARE
---------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Balance -- October 31, 1992...................................... 911,625 $ 8.00-11.25
Granted...................................................... 117,500 7.63- 9.38
Canceled..................................................... (25,625) 8.00-11.25
Exercised.................................................... (25,000) 8.00
---------- --------------
Balance -- October 31, 1993...................................... 978,500 7.63-11.25
Granted...................................................... 119,000 7.38- 9.88
Canceled..................................................... (54,000) 7.38-11.25
Exercised.................................................... (5,000) 9.00
---------- --------------
Balance -- October 31, 1994...................................... 1,038,500 7.38-11.25
Granted...................................................... 105,000 12.88-17.75
Cancelled.................................................... (7,500) 7.38-11.25
Exercised.................................................... (381,375) 7.38- 9.50
---------- --------------
Balance -- October 31, 1995...................................... 754,625 $ 7.38-17.75
---------- --------------
---------- --------------
Exercisable at October 31, 1995.................................. 470,375 $ 7.38-11.25
---------- --------------
---------- --------------
</TABLE>

10. CAPITAL STOCK

The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 500,000 shares of
preferred stock, including 25,000 shares ($100 par value) and 475,000 shares
($1.00 par value) issuable in series, and 30,000,000 shares of common stock
($.20 par value). At October 31, 1995, there were no shares of preferred stock
outstanding, 973,250 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under the
Company's stock option plans.

On December 9, 1992, the Board of Directors adopted a Stockholder Rights
Plan providing for the distribution of one Preferred Stock Purchase Right for
each share of common stock held on December 23, 1992. Each Right entitles the
holder to purchase one-one hundredth of a share of Series A Serial Preferred
Stock at an exercise price of $56. The Rights expire December 23, 2002.

The Rights will be exercisable and transferrable apart from the common stock
only if a person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the
Company's common stock or commences a tender offer or exchange offer which would
result in a person or group beneficially owning 10% or more of the Company's
common stock. The Rights will be redeemable by the Company for $.01 each at any
time prior to the tenth day after an announcement that a person or group
beneficially owns 10% or more of the common stock.

Upon the occurrence of certain events, the holder of a Right can purchase,
for the then current exercise price of the Right, shares of common stock of the
Company (or under certain circumstances, as determined by the Board of
Directors, cash, other securities or property) having a value of twice the
Right's exercise price. Upon the occurrence of certain other events, the holder
of each Right would be entitled to purchase, at the exercise price of the Right,
shares of common stock of a corporation or other entity acquiring the Company or
engaging in certain transactions involving the Company, that has a market value
of twice the Right's exercise price.

11. RESTRUCTURING PROVISION
In the fourth quarter of 1993, the Company recorded a $40.6 million
restructuring charge ($27.2 million net of income tax effect), based on
management's estimate of the effects of the contemplated actions. The

F-13
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

11. RESTRUCTURING PROVISION (CONTINUED)
provision provided for sale or shutdown of certain small operating companies,
employees' severance, write-off of intangible assets, anticipated losses on the
sale of vacant facilities and product lines and consolidation of facilities and
product lines for increased efficiency. The charges reduced 1993 earnings per
share by $4.14.

During the third quarter of fiscal 1995, several remaining restructuring
actions were completed. The restructuring plan was comprehensively reviewed and
the total restructuring costs were lowered to $38.5 million. As a result, the
Company took a restructuring credit in the third quarter of fiscal 1995 of $2.1
million ($1.4 million, or $.20 per share, net of income tax), or approximately
5% of the original charge. The Company believes the restructuring action is now
substantially complete.

F-14
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

12. BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
Details of the Company's operations by business segment for the years ended
October 31 were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1993 1994 1995
---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
(IN THOUSANDS)
Net Sales
Automation....................................................... $ 94,460 $ 108,642 $ 156,116
Aerospace and Defense............................................ 99,071 93,370 98,027
Instrumentation.................................................. 91,621 92,032 97,754
---------- ---------- ----------
285,152 $ 294,044 $ 351,897
---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ----------
Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes
Automation....................................................... $ 7,887 $ 11,913 $ 24,215
Aerospace and Defense............................................ 7,259 9,809 6,493
Instrumentation.................................................. 935 1,537 6,627
---------- ---------- ----------
Operating Earnings............................................. 16,081 23,259 37,335
---------- ---------- ----------
Corporate expense................................................ (7,166) (8,457) (8,485)
Restructuring (provision) credit................................. (40,626) -- 2,067
Interest income.................................................. 122 113 1,156
Interest expense................................................. (6,446) (6,098) (5,598)
---------- ---------- ----------
$ (38,035) $ 8,817 $ 26,475
---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ----------
Identifiable Assets
Automation....................................................... $ 41,752 $ 49,540 $ 57,849
Aerospace and Defense............................................ 77,419 76,681 68,785
Instrumentation.................................................. 55,744 49,822 45,412
Corporate (1).................................................... 30,757 41,481 53,668
---------- ---------- ----------
$ 205,672 $ 217,524 $ 225,714
---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ----------
Capital Expenditures
Automation....................................................... $ 2,402 $ 4,214 $ 5,848
Aerospace and Defense............................................ 4,125 3,158 2,750
Instrumentation.................................................. 2,935 3,847 2,833
Corporate........................................................ 94 69 30
---------- ---------- ----------
$ 9,556 $ 11,288 $ 11,461
---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ----------
Depreciation and Amortization
Automation....................................................... $ 3,982 $ 3,546 $ 4,388
Aerospace and Defense............................................ 7,829 6,128 6,002
Instrumentation.................................................. 7,158 6,257 5,754
Corporate........................................................ 290 483 455
---------- ---------- ----------
$ 19,259 $ 16,414 $ 16,599
---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ----------
<FN>
- ------------------------
(1) Primarily cash, net deferred tax assets (See Note 6), and prepaid pension
expense (See Note 5).
</TABLE>

F-15
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

12. BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
The Company's principal foreign operations consist of manufacturing
facilities located in France, Spain, Mexico and Italy, and include sales and
service operations located in England, Germany, Japan and France.

Details of the Company's operations by geographic area for the years ended
October 31 were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1993 1994 1995
-------- -------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
SALES
Domestic
Unaffiliated customers -- U.S........................... $195,808 $203,010 $227,810
Unaffiliated customers -- export........................ 33,163 34,248 61,051
Intercompany............................................ 4,163 6,231 11,132
-------- -------- --------
$233,134 $243,489 $299,993
-------- -------- --------
Foreign
Unaffiliated customers.................................. $ 56,181 $ 56,786 $ 63,036
Intercompany............................................ 29 628 1,073
-------- -------- --------
$ 56,210 $ 57,414 $ 64,109
-------- -------- --------
Eliminations.............................................. $ (4,192) $ (6,859) $(12,205)
-------- -------- --------
Net Sales................................................. $285,152 $294,044 $351,897
-------- -------- --------
-------- -------- --------
OPERATING EARNINGS (LOSS)(1)
Domestic.................................................. $ 13,042 $ 20,449 $ 38,238
Foreign................................................... 2,833 2,994 (80)
Eliminations.............................................. 206 (184) (823)
-------- -------- --------
$ 16,081 $ 23,259 $ 37,335
-------- -------- --------
-------- -------- --------
IDENTIFIABLE ASSETS (2)
Domestic.................................................. $142,644 $133,200 $134,897
Foreign................................................... 33,604 42,843 37,149
-------- -------- --------
$176,248 $176,043 $172,046
-------- -------- --------
-------- -------- --------
<FN>
- ------------------------
(1) Before restructuring (provision) credit, shown on page F-15.

(2) Excludes Corporate, shown on page F-15.
</TABLE>

The above sales are based upon geographic origin of sale. Intercompany sales
are made at selling
prices comparable to those to unaffiliated customers. Sales to any single
customer or government entity did not exceed 10% of consolidated sales.
Operating earnings are net sales less operating expenses.

F-16
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

12. BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
Product lines contributing more than 10% of total sales in any of the years
ended October 31 were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1993 1994 1995
--- --- ---
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Printed circuit board drilling equipment.................... 16 % 18 % 26 %
Gauge products.............................................. 13 % 13 % 12 %
</TABLE>

13. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
The following is a summary of unaudited quarterly financial information:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH
------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE
AMOUNTS)
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1994
Net sales................................................... $57,872 $70,867 $71,676 $93,629
Gross margin................................................ 21,725 27,867 28,496 37,559
Net earnings (loss)......................................... (404) 1,154 1,515 5,298(1)
Net earnings (loss) per share............................... $ (.06) $ .18 $ .23 $ .80(1)
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1995
Net sales................................................... $83,332 $84,812 $87,318 $96,435
Gross margin................................................ 33,394 34,593 36,034 37,042
Net earnings................................................ 2,198 3,051 6,589(2) 5,543
Net earnings per share...................................... $ .32 $ .44 $ .93(2) $ .84
</TABLE>

- ------------------------
(1) Net earnings in the fourth quarter of 1994 reflect a $2.0 million, or $.30
per share, tax benefit recorded as a result of a settlement with the
Internal Revenue Service. Without this credit, net earnings would have been
$3.3 million or $.50 per share.

(2) Net earnings in the third quarter of 1995 reflect nonrecurring items
including a pre-tax restructuring credit of $2.1 million, or $.20 per share
on an after-tax basis, and a pre-tax patent infringement settlement credit
of $1.3 million, or $.12 per share on an after-tax basis. Without these
credits, net earnings would have been $4.2 million, or $.61 per share.

F-17
<PAGE>
- ------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------

NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN
THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH OTHER INFORMATION AND
REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY
OR THE UNDERWRITERS. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE
HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS
BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT THE
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN
OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE REGISTERED SECURITIES TO WHICH IT
RELATES. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION
OF AN OFFER TO BUY SUCH SECURITIES IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR
SOLICITATION IS UNLAWFUL.

-------------------

TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
---
<S> <C>
Prospectus Summary.................................... 3
Risk Factors.......................................... 6
Use of Proceeds....................................... 9
Price Range of Common Stock and Dividend Policy....... 9
Capitalization........................................ 10
Selected Historical Financial and Operating Data...... 11
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of
Operations and Financial Condition.................. 12
Business.............................................. 16
Management............................................ 22
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management.......................................... 24
Description of Capital Stock.......................... 25
Underwriting.......................................... 29
Legal Matters......................................... 31
Experts............................................... 31
Available Information................................. 31
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference....... 32
Index to Financial Statements......................... F-1
</TABLE>

1,800,000 SHARES

[LOGO]

ESTERLINE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

COMMON STOCK

--------------------

PROSPECTUS

--------------------

PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED

RAGEN MACKENZIE INCORPORATED

PACIFIC CREST SECURITIES INC.

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FEBRUARY 8, 1996

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1,800,000 SHARES

[LOGO]

ESTERLINE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
COMMON STOCK
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All of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby are being sold by Esterline
Technologies Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"). Of the
1,800,000 shares of Common Stock offered, 360,000 shares are being offered
hereby in an international offering outside the United States and Canada (the
"International Shares") and 1,440,000 shares are being offered in a concurrent
offering in the United States and Canada. The price to the public and aggregate
underwriting discounts and commissions per share will be identical for both
offerings. See "Underwriting."

PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE MATTERS DISCUSSED UNDER
"RISK FACTORS" ON PAGE 6 IN THIS PROSPECTUS.
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The International Shares are offered by the International Underwriters,
subject to prior sale, when, as and if delivered to and accepted by the
International Underwriters, and subject to their right to reject orders in whole
or in part. It is expected that delivery of the shares of Common Stock will be
made in New York City on or about February 13, 1996.
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PAINEWEBBER INTERNATIONAL
RAGEN MACKENZIE INCORPORATED
PACIFIC CREST SECURITIES INC.
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THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS FEBRUARY 8, 1996.
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CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX CONSEQUENCES
TO NON-UNITED STATES HOLDERS

The following is a general discussion of certain United States Federal tax
consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Stock by a
holder that, for United States Federal income tax purposes, is not a "United
States person" (a "Non-United States Holder"). This discussion is based upon the
United States Federal tax law now in effect, which is subject to change,
possibly retroactively. For purposes of this discussion, a "United States
person" means a citizen or resident of the United States; a corporation,
partnership, or other entity created or organized in the United States or under
the laws of the United States or of any political subdivision thereof; or an
estate or trust whose income is includible in gross income for United States
Federal income tax purposes regardless of its source. This discussion does not
consider any specific facts or circumstances that may apply to a particular
Non-United States Holder. Prospective investors are urged to consult their tax
advisors regarding the United States Federal tax consequences of acquiring,
holding, and disposing of Common Stock, as well as any tax consequences that may
arise under the laws of any foreign, state, local, or other taxing jurisdiction.

DIVIDENDS

Dividends paid to a Non-United States Holder will generally be subject to
withholding of United States Federal income tax at the rate of 30% unless the
dividend is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within
the United States by the Non-United States Holder, in which case the dividend
will be subject to the United States Federal income tax on net income that
applies to United States persons generally (and, with respect to corporate
holders and under certain circumstances, the branch profits tax). Non-United
States Holders should consult any applicable income tax treaties, which may
provide for a lower rate of withholding or other rules different from those
described above. A Non-United States Holder may be required to satisfy certain
certification requirements in order to claim treaty benefits or otherwise claim
a reduction of or exemption from withholding under the foregoing rules.

GAIN ON DISPOSITION

A Non-United States Holder will generally not be subject to United States
Federal income tax on gain recognized on a sale or other disposition of Common
Stock unless (i) the gain is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade
or business within the United States by the Non-United States Holder or (ii) in
the case of a Non-United States Holder who is a nonresident alien individual and
holds the Common Stock as a capital asset, such holder is present in the United
States for 183 or more days in the taxable year and certain other requirements
are met. Gain that is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or
business within the United States by the Non-United States Holder will be
subject to the United States Federal income tax on net income that applies to
United States persons generally (and, with respect to corporate holders and
under certain circumstances, the branch profits tax) but will not be subject to
withholding. Non-United States Holders should consult applicable treaties, which
may provide for different rules.

FEDERAL ESTATE TAXES

Common Stock owned or treated as owned by an individual who is not a citizen
or resident (as specially defined for United States Federal estate tax purposes)
of the United States at the date of death will be included in such individual's
estate for United States Federal estate tax purposes, unless an applicable
estate tax treaty provides otherwise.

INFORMATION REPORTING AND BACKUP WITHHOLDING

Under temporary United States Treasury regulations, United States
information reporting requirements and backup withholding tax will generally not
apply to dividends paid on the Common Stock to a Non-United States Holder at an
address outside the United States. Payments by a United States office of a
broker of the proceeds of a sale of the Common Stock is subject to both backup
withholding at a rate of 31% and information reporting unless the holder
certifies its Non-United States Holder status under penalties of perjury or
otherwise establishes an exemption. Information reporting requirements (but not
backup withholding) will also apply to payments of the proceeds of sales of the
Common Stock by foreign offices of United States brokers, or foreign brokers
with certain types of relationships to the United States, unless the broker has
documentary evidence in its records that the holder is a Non-United States
Holder and certain other conditions are met, or the holder otherwise establishes
an exemption.

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Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the
backup withholding rules will be refunded or credited against the Non-United
States Holder's United States Federal income tax liability, provided that the
required information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.

These information reporting and backup withholding rules are under review by
the United States Treasury and their application to the Common Stock could be
changed by future regulations.

UNDERWRITING

The International Underwriters named below, acting through PaineWebber
(U.K.) Ltd., Ragen MacKenzie Incorporated, and Pacific Crest Securities Inc., as
International Representatives (the "International Representatives"), have
severally agreed, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the
Underwriting Agreement by and among the Company and the International
Underwriters (the "International Underwriting Agreement"), to purchase from the
Company, and the Company has agreed to sell to the International Underwriters,
the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock set forth opposite their names
below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
U.S. UNDERWRITERS SHARES
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<S> <C>
PaineWebber International (U.K.) Ltd......................................... 150,000
Ragen MacKenzie Incorporated................................................. 150,000
Pacific Crest Securities Inc................................................. 60,000
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Total........................................................................ 360,000
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</TABLE>

In addition, the U.S. Underwriters (together with the International
Underwriters, the "Underwriters"), in a concurrent offering of the Common Stock
to United States or Canadian Persons (as defined below), acting through
PaineWebber Incorporated, Ragen MacKenzie Incorporated, and Pacific Crest
Securities Inc., as Representatives (the "Representatives"), have severally
agreed, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Underwriting
Agreement by and among the Company and the U.S. Underwriters (the "U.S.
Underwriting Agreement"), to purchase from the Company, and the Company has
agreed to sell to the U.S. Underwriters, 1,440,000 shares of Common Stock.

The International Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligation of the
International Underwriters to purchase the shares of Common Stock listed above
is subject to certain conditions. The International Underwriting Agreement also
provides that the International Underwriters are obligated to purchase, and the
Company is obligated to sell, all the shares of Common Stock offered hereby if
any are purchased (without consideration of any shares that may be purchased
through the Underwriters' over-allotment option). The offering price and
underwriting discounts and commissions under both underwriting agreements are
identical. In general, the closing with respect to the sale of the shares of
Common Stock pursuant to the International Underwriting Agreement is a condition
to closing with respect to the sale of the shares of Common Stock pursuant to
the U.S. Underwriting Agreement and vice versa. PaineWebber Incorporated is an
affiliate of PaineWebber International (U.K.) Ltd.

The International Representatives have advised the Company that the
International Underwriters propose to offer the shares of Common Stock to the
public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this
Prospectus and to certain dealers at such price less a concession not in excess
of $.67 per share and that the International Underwriters may allow, and such
dealers may reallow, a concession not in excess of $.10 per share to certain
other dealers, including the International Underwriters. After the shares of
Common Stock are released for sale to the public, the public offering price and
concessions and discounts may be changed by the International Underwriters.

Each International Underwriter has agreed that, as part of the distribution
of the shares of Common Stock, (a) it is not purchasing any shares of Common
Stock for the account of any United States or Canadian Person and (b) it has not
offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, directly or indirectly, any shares
of Common Stock or distribute this Prospectus to any person within the United
States or Canada or to any United States or Canadian Person. Each U.S.
Underwriter has agreed that, as part of the distribution of the shares of Common
Stock, (a) it is not purchasing any shares of Common Stock for the account of
anyone other than a United States or Canadian Person and (b) it has not offered
or sold, and will not offer or sell,

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directly or indirectly, any shares of Common Stock or distribute this Prospectus
to any person outside the United States or Canada or to anyone other than a
United States or Canadian Person. The foregoing limitations do not apply to
stabilization transactions or to certain other transactions specified in the
Agreement Between (as defined below). As used herein, "United States or Canadian
Person" means any individual who is resident in the United States or Canada, or
any corporation, pension, profit-sharing or other trust or other entity
organized under or governed by the laws of the United States or Canada or any
political subdivision thereof (other than a foreign branch of any United States
or Canadian Person), and shall include any United States or Canadian branch of a
person other than a United States or Canadian Person; and "United States" shall
mean the Untied States of America, its territories, possessions and all areas
subject to its jurisdiction.

Each International Underwriter has severally represented and agreed that (i)
it has not offered or sold and will not offer or sell in the United Kingdom, by
means of any document, any shares of Common Stock other than to persons whose
ordinary business it is to buy or sell shares or debentures, whether as
principal or agent, or in circumstances which do not constitute and offer to the
public within the meaning of the Companies Act 1985; (ii) it has complied and
will comply with all applicable provisions of the Financial Services Act 1986
with respect to anything done by it in relation to the shares of Common Stock
in, from and otherwise involving the United Kingdom; and (iii) it has only
issued or passed on and will only issue or pass on in the United Kingdom any
document received by it in connection with the issue of the shares of Common
Stock to a person who is of a kind described in Article 9(3) of the Financial
Services Act 1986 (Investment Advertisements) (Exemptions) Order 1988 or is a
person to whom such document may otherwise lawfully be issued or passed on.

The U.S. Underwriters and International Underwriters have entered into an
Agreement Between U.S. and International Underwriters (the "Agreement Between")
that provides for the coordination of their activities. Pursuant to the
Agreement Between, sales may be made between the U.S. Underwriters and the
International Underwriters of such number of shares of Common Stock as may be
mutually agreed upon. The per share price of any shares so sold shall be the
public offering price set forth on the cover page of the Prospectus, less an
amount not greater than the per share amount of the concession to dealers set
forth above. To the extent there are sales between the U.S. Underwriters and the
International Underwriters, the number of shares of Common Stock initially
available for sale by the U.S. Underwriters or by the International Underwriters
may be more or less than the amount appearing on the cover page of this
Prospectus.

The Company and an executive officer have agreed that they will not sell,
contract to sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of Common Stock or any
rights to purchase or acquire shares of Common Stock for a period of 90 days
after the effective date of this offering, except for the shares of Common Stock
offered hereby, the issuance of shares by the Company pursuant to employee stock
options and the issuance of shares or options by the Company pursuant to
employee benefit, stock option and compensation plans of the Company, without
the prior written consent of the Representatives.

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LEGAL MATTERS

The consolidated financial statements of the Company as of October 31, 1994
and 1995 and for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 1995
included in this Prospectus, and related financial statement schedules
incorporated herein by reference, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports appearing herein, and by
reference, and have been so incorporated and included in reliance upon the
reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and
auditing.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

The following documents, heretofore filed by the Company with the Commission
pursuant to the Exchange Act, are hereby incorporated by reference, except as
superseded or modified herein:

1. The Description of the Company's Common Stock which is contained in the
Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A, dated May 22, 1970.

2. The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and Amendment No. 1 on Form
10-K/A for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1995.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
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PAGE
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Prospectus Summary.................................... 3
Risk Factors.......................................... 6
Use of Proceeds....................................... 9
Price Range of Common Stock and Dividend Policy....... 9
Capitalization........................................ 10
Selected Historical Financial and Operating Data...... 11
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of
Operations and Financial Condition.................. 12
Business.............................................. 16
Management............................................ 22
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management.......................................... 24
Description of Capital Stock.......................... 25
Certain United States Federal Tax Consequences to
Non-United States Holders........................... 29
Underwriting.......................................... 30
Legal Matters......................................... 32
Experts............................................... 32
Available Information................................. 32
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference....... 32
Index to Financial Statements......................... F-1
</TABLE>

1,800,000 SHARES

[LOGO]

ESTERLINE TECHNOLOGIES
CORPORATION

COMMON STOCK

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PROSPECTUS

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PAINEWEBBER INTERNATIONAL

RAGEN MACKENZIE INCORPORATED

PACIFIC CREST SECURITIES INC.

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FEBRUARY 8, 1996

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