AYDIN CORP
SC 13D, 1998-08-10
RADIO & TV BROADCASTING & COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                              WASHINGTON, DC 20549

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

                                  SCHEDULE 13D

                    Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

                               (Amendment No. )(1)

                                AYDIN Corporation
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                (Name of issuer)

                          COMMON STOCK, $1.00 PAR VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         (Title of class of securities)

                                    054681101
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 (CUSIP number)

                              STEVEN WOLOSKY, ESQ.
                     OLSHAN GRUNDMAN FROME & ROSENZWEIG LLP
                                 505 Park Avenue
                            New York, New York 10022
                                 (212) 753-7200
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  (Name, address and telephone number of person
                authorized to receive notices and communications)

                                  July 30, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Date of event which requires filing of this statement)

         If the filing person has  previously  filed a statement on Schedule 13G
to report the  acquisition  which is the subject of this  Schedule  13D,  and is
filing this schedule because of Rule 13d-1(b)(3) or (4), check the following box
/ /.

         Note.  six copies of this statement, including all exhibits, should be
filed with the Commission.  See Rule 13d-1(a) for other parties to whom copies
are to be sent.

                         (Continued on following pages)

                              (Page 1 of 10 Pages)

                             Exhibit List on Page 9



- --------
(1)               The  remainder  of this  cover  page shall be filled out for a
reporting person's initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class
of securities,  and for any subsequent  amendment  containing  information which
would alter disclosures provided in a prior cover page.

                  The  information  required on the remainder of this cover page
shall  not be  deemed  to be  "filed"  for  the  purpose  of  Section  18 of the
Securities  Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that
section  of the Act but  shall be  subject  to all other  provisions  of the Act
(however, see the Notes).


<PAGE>
- -----------------------------                       ----------------------------
CUSIP No. 054 68 1101                   13D               Page 2 of 10 Pages
- -----------------------------                       ----------------------------


================================================================================
     1          NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS
                S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS

                                  STEEL PARTNERS II, L.P.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     2          CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*        (a) / /
                                                                         (b) / /
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     3          SEC USE ONLY

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     4          SOURCE OF FUNDS*
                      WC
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     5          CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
                PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)                                / /
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     6          CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OR ORGANIZATION

                      DELAWARE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NUMBER OF              7          SOLE VOTING POWER
   SHARES
BENEFICIALLY                             475,700
  OWNED BY
    EACH
 REPORTING
PERSON WITH
                ----------------------------------------------------------------
                        8          SHARED VOTING POWER

                                         -0-
                ----------------------------------------------------------------
                        9          SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

                                         475,700
                ----------------------------------------------------------------
                       10          SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

                                         -0-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     11         AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING
                PERSON

                      475,700
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     12         CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
                CERTAIN SHARES*                                              / /
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     13         PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

                      9.1%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     14         TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

                      PN
================================================================================

                      *SEE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE FILLING OUT!


<PAGE>
- -----------------------------                       ----------------------------
CUSIP No. 054 68 1101                   13D               Page 3 of 10 Pages
- -----------------------------                       ----------------------------


================================================================================
     1          NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS
                S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOS. OF ABOVE PERSONS

                                    WARREN LICHTENSTEIN
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     2          CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP*        (a) / /
                                                                         (b) / /
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     3          SEC USE ONLY

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     4          SOURCE OF FUNDS*
                      00
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     5          CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
                PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)                                / /
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     6          CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OR ORGANIZATION

                      USA
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NUMBER OF              7          SOLE VOTING POWER
   SHARES
BENEFICIALLY                             475,700
  OWNED BY
    EACH
 REPORTING
PERSON WITH
                ----------------------------------------------------------------
                        8          SHARED VOTING POWER

                                           - 0 -
                ----------------------------------------------------------------
                        9          SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

                                           475,700
                ----------------------------------------------------------------
                       10          SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

                                           - 0 -
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     11         AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING
                PERSON

                      475,700
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     12         CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
                CERTAIN SHARES*                                              / /
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     13         PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

                      9.1%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     14         TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON*

                      IN
================================================================================

                      *SEE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE FILLING OUT!

<PAGE>
- -----------------------------                       ----------------------------
CUSIP No. 054 68 1101                   13D               Page 4 of 10 Pages
- -----------------------------                       ----------------------------


         The  following  constitutes  the Schedule 13D filed by the  undersigned
(the "Schedule 13D").

Item 1.           Security and Issuer.

                  This statement  relates to shares (the "Shares") of the common
stock,  $1.00 par value per share ("Common  Stock"),  of AYDIN  Corporation (the
"Issuer").  The  principal  executive  offices of the Issuer are  located at 700
Dresher Road, Horsham, Pennsylvania
19044.

Item 2.           Identity and Background.

                  (a) This  Statement  is filed by Steel  Partners  II,  L.P., a
Delaware limited partnership ("Steel Partners II"), and Warren G.
Lichtenstein.

                  Steel Partners,  L.L.C., a Delaware limited  liability company
("Partners  LLC"),  is the  general  partner  of  Steel  Partners  II.  The sole
executive  officer and managing  member of Partners LLC is Warren  Lichtenstein,
who is Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary.

                  Each of the foregoing are referred to as a "Reporting  Person"
and  collectively  as the  "Reporting  Persons".  By virtue of his position with
Steel  Partners  II, Mr.  Lichtenstein  has the power to vote and dispose of the
Issuer's Shares owned by Steel Partners II.  Accordingly,  the Reporting Persons
are hereby filing a joint Schedule 13D.

                  (b) The principal business address of each Reporting Person is
150 East 52nd Street, 21st Floor, New York, New York
10022.

                  (c) The principal  business of Steel  Partners II is investing
in the  securities  of  microcap  companies.  The  principal  occupation  of Mr.
Lichtenstein is investing in the securities of microcap companies.

                  (d) No Reporting Person has, during the last five years,  been
convicted in a criminal  proceeding  (excluding  traffic  violations  or similar
misdemeanors).

                  (e) No Reporting Person has, during the last five years,  been
party to a civil  proceeding of a judicial or  administrative  body of competent
jurisdiction and as a result of such proceeding was or is subject to a judgment,
decree  or final  order  enjoining  future  violations  of,  or  prohibiting  or
mandating activities subject to, federal or state securities laws or finding any
violation with respect to such laws.

                  (f) Mr.  Lichtenstein  is a citizen  of the  United  States of
America.


<PAGE>
- -----------------------------                       ----------------------------
CUSIP No. 054 68 1101                   13D               Page 5 of 10 Pages
- -----------------------------                       ----------------------------


Item 3.           Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration.

                  The aggregate  purchase  price of the 475,700 Shares of Common
Stock owned by Steel Partners II is $4,058,544. The Shares of Common Stock owned
by Steel Partners II were acquired with partnership funds.

Item 4.           Purpose of Transaction.

                  The  Reporting  Persons  purchased  the shares of Common Stock
based on the Reporting  Persons' belief that the shares at current market prices
are undervalued and represent an attractive  investment  opportunity.  Depending
upon overall market conditions,  other investment opportunities available to the
Reporting Persons, and the availability of shares of Common Stock at prices that
would make the purchase of additional  shares  desirable,  the Reporting Persons
may  endeavor to increase  their  position  in the Issuer  through,  among other
things,  the purchase of shares of Common Stock on the open market or in private
transactions,  through a tender  offer or  otherwise,  on such terms and at such
times as the Reporting Persons may deem advisable.

                  The Reporting Persons have had discussions with the Issuer and
intend to have future discussions with the Issuer about the business  operations
of the Issuer  and ways to enhance  stockholder  value,  and intend to  actively
monitor  efforts by  management  to increase  stockholder  value.  The Reporting
Persons may also decide in the future, should the Reporting Persons believe that
the  Issuer's  Shares  continue to be  undervalued,  to propose  that the Issuer
retain an investment banker to solicit offers for a transaction whereby all or a
portion of the Issuer be sold. In connection  therewith,  the Reporting  Persons
may seek to  participate in such  transaction or seek to acquire  control of the
Issuer in a negotiated  transaction or otherwise.  Should the Reporting  Persons
believe that the  Issuer's  Shares  continue to be  undervalued,  the  Reporting
Persons  also may seek in the future to have one or more of its  representatives
appointed to the Board of Directors of the Issuer,  by agreement with the Issuer
or  otherwise,  including  by running  its own slate of nominees at an annual or
special meeting of the Issuer.  The Reporting  Persons may in the future propose
other matters for consideration and approval by the Issuer's stockholders or the
Board of Directors,  through a solicitation of proxies,  consent solicitation or
otherwise, but has not identified such matters at this date.

                  No  Reporting  Person has any present  plan or proposal  which
would relate to or result in any of the matters set forth in subparagraphs (a) -
(j) of Item 4 of Schedule  13D except as set forth herein or such as would occur
upon completion of any of the actions discussed above. Steel Partners II intends
to review its investment in the Issuer on a continuing  basis and,  depending on
various factors including,  without limitation,  the Issuer's financial position
and investment strategy, the price levels of the Common Stock, conditions in the
securities markets and general


<PAGE>
- -----------------------------                       ----------------------------
CUSIP No. 054 68 1101                   13D               Page 6 of 10 Pages
- -----------------------------                       ----------------------------


economic  and  industry  conditions,  may in the future take such  actions  with
respect  to its  investment  in the  Issuer as it deems  appropriate  including,
without limitation, purchasing additional Shares of Common Stock or selling some
or all of its  Shares or to change  its  intention  with  respect to any and all
matters referred to in Item 4.

Item 5.           Interest in Securities of the Issuer.

                  (a)  The  aggregate  percentage  of  Shares  of  Common  Stock
reported  owned by each  person  named  herein is based  upon  5,216,300  Shares
outstanding,  which is the total number of Shares of Common Stock outstanding as
reported in the Issuer's  Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal  quarter
ended April 4, 1998.

                  As of the close of business on August 7, 1998,  Steel Partners
II beneficially owns 475,700 Shares of Common Stock, constituting  approximately
9.1% of the Shares  outstanding.  Mr.  Lichtenstein  beneficially  owns  475,700
Shares,   representing  approximately  9.1%  of  the  Shares  outstanding.   Mr.
Lichtenstein  has sole voting and dispositive  power with respect to the 475,700
Shares owned by Steel Partners II by virtue of his authority to vote and dispose
of such Shares. All of such Shares were acquired in open-market transactions.

                  (b) By virtue of his  positions  with Steel  Partners  II, Mr.
Lichtenstein  has the sole power to vote and  dispose of the Shares  reported in
this Schedule 13D.

                  (c) Schedule A annexed  hereto lists all  transactions  in the
Issuer's Common Stock in the last sixty days by the Reporting Persons.

                  (d) No person  other  than the  Reporting  Persons is known to
have the right to receive, or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from,
or proceeds from the sale of, such Shares of the Common Stock.

                  (e)      No applicable.

Item 6.           Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships
                  With Respect to Securities of the Issuer.

                  Other  than  as  described  herein,  there  are no  contracts,
arrangements  or  understandings  among the  Reporting  Persons,  or between the
Reporting  Persons and any other Person,  with respect to the  securities of the
Issuer.

Item 7.           Material to be Filed as Exhibits.

                  1.       Joint Filing Agreement.


<PAGE>
- -----------------------------                       ----------------------------
CUSIP No. 054 68 1101                   13D               Page 7 of 10 Pages
- -----------------------------                       ----------------------------


                                   SIGNATURES

                  After reasonable  inquiry and to the best of his knowledge and
belief, each of the undersigned certifies that the information set forth in this
statement is true, complete and correct.


Dated:  August 7, 1998                          STEEL PARTNERS II, L.P.

                                                By: Steel Partners, L.L.C.
                                                    General Partner

                                                By:/s/ Warren G. Lichtenstein
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                       Warren G. Lichtenstein
                                                       Chief Executive Officer

                                                /s/ Warren G. Lichtenstein
                                                --------------------------------
                                                    WARREN G. LICHTENSTEIN



<PAGE>
- -----------------------------                       ----------------------------
CUSIP No. 054 68 1101                   13D               Page 8 of 10 Pages
- -----------------------------                       ----------------------------


                                   SCHEDULE A

               Transactions in the Shares Within the Past 60 Days

  Shares of Common
       Stock                        Price Per                         Date of
  Purchased/(Sold)                    Share                       Purchase/Sale
  ----------------                    -----                       -------------

                             STEEL PARTNERS II, L.P.

        14,000                      9.02214                           6/05/98

         2,200                      9.04500                           6/11/98

        24,000                      8.94500                           6/12/98

         1,000                      8.91500                           6/17/98

        17,800                      8.90185                           6/18/98

         2,000                      8.92000                           6/19/98

         4,000                      8.95125                           6/22/98

        14,000                      8.89057                           6/24/98

        32,000                      8.85450                           6/25/98

         5,500                      8.81230                           6/26/98

        29,000                      8.65830                           7/01/98

        10,000                      8.54500                           7/02/98

         3,000                      8.58500                           7/06/98

         5,000                      8.46000                           7/07/98

        15,100                      8.41360                           7/08/98

         9,000                      8.33500                           7/09/98

         5,000                      8.29750                           7/13/98

         2,000                      8.33500                           7/14/98

        84,500                      7.69293                           7/30/98

        15,000                      7.53830                           7/31/98

        46,000                      7.57500                            8/3/98

        56,000                      7.42990                            8/4/98

        12,700                      7.58000                            8/5/98

           900                      7.85250                            8/6/98



                               WARREN LICHTENSTEIN

                                      None.



<PAGE>
- -----------------------------                       ----------------------------
CUSIP No. 054 68 1101                   13D               Page 9 of 10 Pages
- -----------------------------                       ----------------------------


                                  EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit                                                                  Page
- -------                                                                  ----

1.       Joint Filing Agreement                                           10




<PAGE>
                             JOINT FILING AGREEMENT

                  In accordance with Rule 13d-1(f)(1)(iii)  under the Securities
Exchange  Act of 1934,  as amended,  the persons  named below agree to the joint
filing on behalf of each of them of a Statement  on Schedule 13D dated August 7,
1998  (including  amendments  thereto) with respect to the Common Stock of AYDIN
Corporation.  This Joint Filing  Agreement  shall be filed as an Exhibit to such
Statement.

Dated:  August 7, 1998                    STEEL PARTNERS II, L.P.

                                          By: Steel Partners, L.L.C.
                                              General Partner


                                          By:/s/ Warren G. Lichtenstein
                                             -------------------------------
                                             Warren G. Lichtenstein
                                             Chief Executive Officer

                                          /s/ Warren G. Lichtenstein
                                          ----------------------------------
                                              WARREN G. LICHTENSTEIN



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