
<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                     5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
consolidated balance sheet of AXSYS TECHNOLOGIES, INC as of March 31, 1997 and
the related consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended
March 31, 1997 and is qualified in it's entirety by reference to such financial
statements.
</LEGEND>
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                              DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                                 JAN-1-1997
<PERIOD-END>                                   MAR-31-1997
<CASH>                                         $  546
<SECURITIES>                                        0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  16,285
<ALLOWANCES>                                      433
<INVENTORY>                                    25,502
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               42,797
<PP&E>                                         22,073
<DEPRECIATION>                                  8,256
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 63,450
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          18,729
<BONDS>                                        21,380
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                               0
<PREFERRED>                                         2
<COMMON>                                           30
<OTHER-SE>                                     20,711
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   63,450
<SALES>                                        27,602
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               27,602
<CGS>                                          20,402
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  20,402
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                4,951
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                    0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                655
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 1,583
<INCOME-TAX>                                      638
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                               945
<DISCONTINUED>                                      0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                     0
<CHANGES>                                           0
<NET-INCOME>                                      945
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     .27
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     .27
        


</TABLE>
