NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Technical Communications Corporation
100 Domino Drive
Concord, Massachusetts 01742-2892

Contact: Michael P. Malone,
Director of Finance
(978) 287 5100
http://www.tccsecure.com

TECHNICAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
ANNOUNCES SECOND QUARTER 1999 RESULTS

CONCORD, MA, May 5, 1999 - Technical Communications Corporation (NASDAQ:TCCO) today reported that revenues for its second fiscal quarter ended April 3, 1999 were $1,247,336 compared to $3,405,457 in the same quarter a year ago. The Company reported net income of $147,100 or $0.11 per share, compared to $178,142 or $0.14 per share in the second quarter of fiscal 1998. Second quarter FY99 results included a gain on the sale of an investment in common stock of Visual Networks, Inc. (VNWK) of $1,056,638. Order backlog increased by approximately $500,000 from the first quarter to $1,165,297 at the end of the second quarter.

"TCC's performance in the second quarter continues to be adversely affected by delays in several large international orders." said Carl Guild, TCC President & C.E.O. "However, during the last quarter there have been encouraging signs that the mid-east budget concerns are starting to be relieved with the recovery of oil prices. TCC has made steady progress in pursuing these sales but customer budget constraints have delayed the award process. "

Guild further said, "Our development of products for the commercial encryption security market continues. Expanding upon our CX7100/KEYNET Triple-DES, 2 megabit frame relay encryptor, we expect to make available a family of encryption products that will provide optimized system performance at a significantly reduced cost. These products are expected to be attractive to the large number of smaller enterprises where acquisition cost is very important. "

About Technical Communications Corporation

Based in Concord, Massachusetts, Technical Communications Corporation's products and services provide encryption security for the mission-critical networks of governments and corporations around the world. With over 35 years' experience, TCC is the trusted supplier where secure data transmission is a critical need.

Matters discussed in this news release, including any discussion of or impact, expressed or implied, on the Company's anticipated operating results and future earnings, including statements about the Company's ability to achieve growth and profitability, contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company's operating results may differ significantly from the results indicated by such forward-looking statements. The Company's operating results may be affected by many factors, including but not limited to future changes in export laws or regulations, changes in technology, the effect of foreign political unrest, the ability to hire, retain and motivate technical, management and sales personnel, the risks associated with the technical feasibility and market acceptance of new products, changes in telecommunications protocols, the effects of changing costs, exchange rates and interest rates and the Company's ability to renegotiate its line of credit with its banks. Although the Company's securities trade on the NASDAQ National Market System, no assurances can be given that the Company will continue to be in compliance with all listing requirements or that the Company's securities will continue to be listed on NASDAQ National Market or on NASDAQ SmallCap market. The delisting of the Company's securities from the NASDAQ could have a material adverse effect on the market price of the Company's securities. These and other risks are detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 3,1998 and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 2, 1999.

Technical Communications Corporation
Comparative Financial Information

                             Second quarter ended:
                       April 3, 1999      March 28, 1998

Net sales               $ 1,247,336         $ 3,405,457
Net income                  147,100             178,142
Net income per share 
    Basic                     $0.11               $0.14
    Diluted                   $0.11               $0.14


                               Six months ended:
                       April 3, 1999      March 28, 1998

Net sales               $ 2,318,692         $ 6,340,505
Net income (loss)          (841,289)             49,423
Net income (loss) per share 
    Basic                    ($0.63)              $0.04
    Diluted                  ($0.63)              $0.04