American Science and Engineering, Inc. Receives $4.2 Million Order from U.S. Customs and Border Protection for Multiple Z Backscatter Van X-ray Systems

BILLERICA, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 13, 2006--American Science and Engineering, Inc. (AS&E(R)) (NASDAQ:ASEI), a leader in X-ray detection technology, announced today the receipt of a $4.2 million order from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for multiple Z(R) Backscatter Van(TM) (ZBV(TM)) X-ray screening systems. The delivery order includes Radioactive Threat Detection (RTD) capability, CBP-customized operator training, service, and labor warranty.

"This delivery order follows extensive testing of the ZBV by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)," said Anthony Fabiano, President and CEO. "The ZBV mobile X-ray system meets performance requirements for 'low-z' material in an operating environment. The ZBV will be a valuable tool in their mission to combat illegal immigration, as well as drug and contraband smuggling. With AS&E producing over 240 systems deployed worldwide for force protection and border and port security, the ZBV is the number one selling non-intrusive inspection system for cargo and vehicles."

AS&E's Z Backscatter Van is a low-cost, highly maneuverable screening system built into a commercially available delivery van. The ZBV employs AS&E's patented Z(R) Backscatter(TM) technology, which reveals contraband that transmission X-rays miss -- such as explosives and plastic weapons -- and provides photo-like imaging for rapid analysis. The ZBV is capable of immediate deployment in response to security threats, and features a high throughput capacity to facilitate rapid inspections. The system's unique "drive-by" capability allows one or two operators to conduct X-ray imaging of suspect vehicles and objects as the ZBV drives past.