American Science and Engineering, Inc. Awarded Contract to Supply High-Energy X-Ray Inspection Systems for USAID.

X-ray Systems to Facilitate Trade and Increase Border Security

BILLERICA, Mass. -- American Science and Engineering, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASEI) (AS&E([R])), a leader in X-ray detection technology, announced today that it has been selected by Chemonics International, Inc., a global consulting firm promoting economic growth in developing countries, to deliver multiple high-energy X-ray mobile cargo inspection systems for a United States Agency for International Development (USAID) initiative. The X-ray systems will be provided to Chemonics International through an existing collaborative arrangement between AS&E and Nuctech Company Limited (Nuctech). The value of the contract is $10 million.

"We are pleased to provide these high-energy systems to support USAID strategic initiatives overseas," said Robert Postle, Vice President, Worldwide Marketing and Sales of AS&E. "These systems will allow security officials to decrease inspection time of cargo and vehicles to uncover threats and contraband -- facilitating the flow of commerce, as well as enhancing border security."

About AS&E([R])

American Science and Engineering, Inc. (AS&E) is the leading worldwide supplier of innovative X-ray inspection and screening systems. With more than 45 years of experience in developing advanced X-ray security systems, the Company's product line utilizes a variety of technologies, including patented Z([R]) Backscatter[TM], Shaped Energy[TM] and Radioactive Threat Detection (RTD). These technologies offer superior detection of threats including plastic explosives, plastic weapons, illegal drugs, other contraband, dirty bombs and nuclear devices. AS&E offers a complete range of X-ray inspection products including Z Backscatter screening systems, CargoSearch[TM], and ParcelSearch[TM] inspection systems, used for critical detection and security applications to combat terrorism, drug and weapon smuggling, trade fraud, and illegal immigration. AS&E customers include leading governmental agencies, border authorities, military bases, airports and corporations worldwide, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Royal Thai Police, HM Customs & Excise (U.K.) and Hong Kong Customs. For more information on AS&E products and technologies, please visit www.as-e.com.

Safe Harbor Statement. The foregoing press release contains statements concerning AS&E's financial performance, markets and business operations that may be considered "forward-looking" under applicable securities laws. AS&E 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 and other governments; disruption in the supply of any source component incorporated into AS&E's products; 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, and future delays in federal funding. These and certain other factors which might cause actual results to differ materially from those projected are detailed from time to time in AS&E's periodic reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which important factors are incorporated herein by reference. AS&E undertakes no obligation to update forward looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events, or changes in future operating results, financial condition or business over time.