American Science and Engineering, Inc. Receives $22.2 Million Order from the U.S. Government for 22 Z Backscatter Vans

U.S. Government adds to its fleet of ZBVs for counterterrorism applications

BILLERICA, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 25, 2008--American Science and Engineering, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASEI) (AS&E(R)), a leader in X-ray detection technology, announced today that the Company has received a $22.2 million order from the U.S. Government for 22 Z Backscatter Vans(TM) (ZBV(TM)) -- the industry's top-selling mobile X-ray screening system. The contract includes ZBV operator training, spare parts, service, and warranty.

"This sizable order reinforces the continued value the U.S. Government places on our proprietary Z Backscatter Vans for critical counterterrorism missions," said Anthony Fabiano, President and CEO. "With this order, the U.S. Government has added to its substantial fleet of ZBVs to secure checkpoints and borders from vehicle-borne explosives and other high-risk contraband. Field performance reports continue to be outstanding and we are honored to work closely with the U.S. Government to help accomplish their mission."

AS&E's Z Backscatter Van(TM): The Most Maneuverable, Versatile Mobile Screening System on the Market

A breakthrough in X-ray detection technology, AS&E's Z Backscatter Van is the Number One selling non-intrusive mobile inspection system on the market. ZBV is a low-cost, highly mobile screening system built into a commercially available delivery van. The ZBV allows for immediate deployment in response to security threats, and its high throughput capability facilitates rapid inspections. The system's unique "drive-by" capability allows one or two operators to conduct X-ray imaging while the ZBV drives past suspect vehicles and objects. For personnel safety in dangerous environments, a remote console is available for operating the system in stationary mode from a distance of up to 500 meters.

AS&E's Patented Z Backscatter X-Ray

The ZBV leverages the company's patented Z Backscatter X-ray technology -- a proprietary, industry-leading capability that reveals the threats that competitive systems miss -- including explosives, plastic weapons, and drugs. Z Backscatter technology produces photo-like images of the contents of a container or vehicle, highlighting organic materials. Based on the X-ray Compton Scattering effect, Z Backscatter technology works by detecting and highlighting "low Z" materials (items that contain low atomic number elements such as carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen). Z Backscatter images display organic materials by directing a sweeping beam of X-rays at the object under examination, and then measuring and plotting the intensity of scattered X-rays as a function of the beam position.

AS&E's Worldwide Service and Support

AS&E's highly skilled Field Service Engineers (FSEs) provide support services worldwide. Each FSE, with a technical degree in electrical and mechanical engineering or equivalent experience, is trained in the operation and repair of electronics, hydraulics, pneumatics, mechanics, electrical systems, and computers. Available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, FSEs are located at AS&E offices in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.