American Science and Engineering, Inc. Announces Receipt of $3.8 Million MobileSearch Order.

BILLERICA, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 19, 1997-- American Science and Engineering, Inc. (AMEX:ASE) today announced the receipt of a $3.8 million order for two MobileSearch(TM) X-ray inspection trucks from the U.S. Department of Defense - Counterdrug Technology Development Program. These mobile inspection systems are being funded to provide technology based tools to U.S. Customs for interdicting drugs hidden in vehicles and cargo at the border crossings.

These are advanced prototype MobileSearch(TM) systems funded by the Department of Defense and will be delivered within 16 months. In addition, the contract calls for further development work that is expected to double the capacity of the system. The contract allows the government the option to purchase up to four additional MobileSearch(TM) systems.

Ralph S. Sheridan, AS&E's CEO, commented that "MobileSearch(TM) is a unique product whose flexibility, detection capabilities and price should prove attractive to customs and defense agencies around the world. The first unit is successfully patrolling the Southwest border with Mexico to detect smuggled drugs. The second unit, which incorporates transmission X-ray capability to supplement our proprietary Z(R) Backscatter technology, will be delivered next quarter."

AS&E 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. -0-

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 statements contained herein include the following: Significant reductions or delays in procurements of the Company's systems by the United States Government; 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; 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).

CONTACT: American Science and Engineering, Inc.

Jeffrey Bernfeld or Lee Steele, 978/262-8700