American Science and Engineering, Inc. Introduces OmniView(TM) Gantry Cargo and Vehicle Inspection System; High Energy System to Offer Combination of Multiple Views, High Penetration X-ray and Organic Material Detection for Cargo.

BILLERICA, Mass. -- American Science and Engineering, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASEI) (AS&E(R)), a leader in X-ray detection technology, announced today the launch of its OmniView(TM) Gantry Inspection System, the industry's most comprehensive cargo and vehicle inspection system for detecting security threats and contraband.

The new OmniView Gantry is the only relocatable system available today that combines high penetration inspection with multi-view, photo-like imaging for unmatched detection capabilities. Security authorities at ports, borders, security checkpoints, and other high threat facilities can efficiently inspect even the most complex cargo, while maintaining the flow of commerce and maintaining traffic flow at facility or checkpoint operations.

High Throughput Inspection

The OmniView Gantry System's scanning platform operates by moving on rails past stationary vehicles and cargo. The compact footprint accommodates limited space in congested areas, and minimizes radiation exclusion zones. The system is bi-directional allowing for a high throughput of approximately 2 trucks per scan, 24 trucks per hour. Multiple views provided by the Backscatter Module allow the operator to quickly and accurately interpret the images, thereby reducing image analysis time.

AS&E's Patented Technologies: Shaped Energy(TM) and Z(R) Backscatter(TM)

The OmniView Gantry System utilizes two of AS&E's patented technologies. Shaped Energy technology provides powerful 6.0 MeV transmission X-rays for high penetration into inspected objects -- up to 350 mm (14 inches) steel. The patented method of shaping the energy spectrum to filter out non-essential radiation makes the system very safe for operators and staff, while providing high energy penetration of densely loaded cargo containers and liquids. The technology eliminates the need for costly infrastructure such as an outer building for radiation safety often required with other gantry systems.

The OmniView Gantry System also utilizes Z Backscatter technology to provide easy to interpret, clear, photo-like images of the cargo under inspection. The relocatable Z Backscatter module provides up to three views -- left, right, and top-down -- of objects under examination for organic material detection or "Low Z" materials including explosives, plastic weapons, and drugs.

"We are pleased to offer OmniView Gantry Inspection System, the most effective cargo and vehicle search capability on the market today," said Paul Grazewski, Vice President, Product Management. "The combination of Z Backscatter and Shaped Energy technologies provides the most reliable means of uncovering threatening materials, contraband, and trade fraud in densely loaded vehicles and sea containers. The multi-view OmniView Gantry System accurately and effectively ensures inspections are comprehensive and safe while maintaining the flow of commerce."

In addition, an optional Radioactive Threat Detection capability is available as part of the OmniView Gantry Inspection System for identifying radioactive threats in vehicle and cargo containers. AS&E currently has more than 90 cargo inspection systems installed worldwide.

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 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(R) 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.