AS&E's Proprietary ZBV Mobile Inspection System Demonstrates Success Around the World with Over 400 Systems Sold to Date

The Market-Leading Z Backscatter Van (ZBV) Deployed in 46 Countries Offers Unparalleled Mobility and Flexibility for Rapid Explosive and Contraband Detection

merican Science and Engineering, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASEI) (AS&E®), a leading worldwide supplier of innovative X-ray inspection solutions, today announced that its top selling, patented Z Backscatter Vanâ„¢ (ZBV) has gained an unprecedented level of worldwide success as the number one selling non-intrusive mobile inspection system on the market with over 400 ZBV systems sold to 85 customers in 46 countries. The number of ZBV success stories from around the world continues to grow, from seizures of large quantities of drugs, to the detection of stowaways and bulk explosives in war zones. Introduced in 2003, AS&E's ZBV is faster, more effective, and less expensive than any other mobile X-ray screening solution available. In the last year alone, AS&E gained 16 new ZBV customers in 7 countries.

"With over 400 systems sold, the ZBV is widely accepted as the mobile X-ray system of choice to support a wide variety of critical security missions," said Anthony Fabiano, AS&E's President and CEO. "Its varied operating modes provide maximum maneuverability for multiple applications, including force protection, checkpoint security, law enforcement, and port and border security. The ZBV's exceptional speed and agility combined with its explosive and contraband detection capability provides governments and corporations around the world with an effective tool to secure high threat facilities, protect civilians, and detect trade fraud and illegal immigration.�

ZBV Proven Success Worldwide

Some examples of the ZBV success that have been covered in national and international news stories include:

* U.S./Mexico border: Using the ZBV on the Arizona border, Border Patrol agents discovered 1,500 pounds of hidden marijuana and five illegal immigrants in a hidden compartment of a large truck, as reported by the Associated Press in March of 2009. Further reports revealed that within the first month of operating the ZBV, Border Patrol agents seized 30 pounds of cocaine and 17 pounds of methamphetamine, according to the Green Valley News and Sun in March of 2009.
* Military: Utilizing the ZBV to heighten military base security, a Technical Sergeant noted that the ZBV displays organic anomalies in vehicles — such as a detonation cord or hidden narcotics — allowing base security to target suspicious vehicles, as reported in Air Force Link in April of 2007. The Technical Sergeant also said the ZBV is safer for search teams because the ZBV can be operated remotely for bomb detection.
* Iraq: Iraqi officials utilize two ZBVs along the borders of the Basra Province, according to a Colonel in the Multinational Division in UPI Energy in October of 2007. The ZBVs operate as part of a security program to increase protection at ports of entry. The Colonel also noted that the ZBV's unique capabilities are significant enhancements to the traditional screening procedures.
* Singapore: Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority officers uncovered 1,484 cartons and 158 packets of smuggled cigarettes in a bus hidden under floorboards. The potential customs duties for the duty-unpaid cigarettes totaled about $79,000, according to AsiaOne in March of 2009. AsiaOne also reported in September of 2008 that the ZBV was used to interdict Singapore's largest haul of illegal tobacco products that year when a bus driver tried to smuggle them into the country through the Tuas Checkpoint.
* Middle East/Africa: Officials utilizing the ZBV at a border crossing found 1,042 kilograms of marijuana in the false wall of a delivery truck — the largest drug bust in this country's history, according to Al-Chourouk Newspaper in February of 2008. The ZBV clearly revealed the smuggled goods, and the security officials were able to seize the drugs, which had a street value of approximately $5 million.