AS&E Announces Award of Multiple BodySearch X-ray Systems.

BILLERICA, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 10, 1999--

American Science & Engineering, Inc. (AMEX:ASE) announced today the award of orders from a US Government customer and two state prisons for a total of eight of its BodySearch(TM) inspection systems. The BodySearch systems are to be used for personnel as an alternative to strip-search.

Ralph Sheridan, President and CEO, stated, "These orders signify the growing acceptance of our BodySearch system, where there is probable cause or high threat levels warrant a search of person. We have provided law enforcement officials with a technological answer to the issues of personal invasiveness, hostile confrontation, and exposure to communicable diseases. We are enthusiastic about the expanding applications of BodySearch for ports of entry where drug smuggling is prevalent."

BodySearch is an X-ray imaging system designed to quickly and safely detect both metallic and organic materials, such as drugs, weapons and illegal contraband on people. The efficient imaging process eliminates the need for labor intensive and invasive strip searches. The scan requires no physical contact between the operator and subject, vastly reducing the animosity and threat of assault against law enforcement personnel.

AS&E(R) develops and manufactures sophisticated X-ray inspection products for critical detection and security applications. AS&E's patented Z(R) Backscatter technology detects plastic explosives, illegal drugs, and other contraband, even when artfully concealed in complex backgrounds by terrorists and smugglers. For more information on AS&E products and technologies, please visit the Company's web site at http://www.as-e.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

The foregoing press release contains statements concerning the Company's financial performance and business operations which may be considered "forward-looking" under applicable securities laws.

The Company wishes to caution readers of this press release that actual results might differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements.

Factors which might cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statement contained herein include the following: significant reductions or delays in procurements of the Company's systems by the United States and other governments; disruption in the supply of any sole-source component incorporated into the Company's products (of which there are several); litigation seeking to restrict the use of intellectual property used by the Company; potential product liability claims against the Company; global political trends and events which affect public perception of the threat presented by drugs, explosives and other contraband; global economic developments and the ability of governments and private organizations to fund purchases of the Company's products to address such threats; and the potential insufficiency of Company resources, including human resources, capital, plant and equipment and management systems, to accommodate any future growth. These and certain other factors which might cause actual results to differ materially from those projected are more fully set forth under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (SEC File No. 333-9151).