American Science and Engineering, Inc. Receives $2.2 Million Order for Z Portal and Gemini X-Ray Screening Systems for Checkpoint Security.

Government Agency to utilize AS&E's proprietary technology at a Strategic Facility

BILLERICA, Mass. -- American Science and Engineering, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASEI) (AS&E([R])), a leader in X-ray detection technology, announced today the receipt of a $2.2 million order for a Z Portal([R])X-ray screening system and multiple Gemini([TM]) parcel inspection systems. For maximum organic threat detection capability, the Z Portal system is configured with three Z Backscatter([TM]) modules for left, right, and top-down imaging of the vehicle under inspection. The Gemini parcel inspection system features a combination of AS&E's proprietary Z Backscatter technology and dual-energy transmission technology to provide enhanced detection of organic materials and metallic threats. The X-ray systems will be deployed by a government agency at multiple checkpoints to screen trucks, vehicles and parcels for explosive threats and contraband before they enter the facility.

"This latest order for a government agency reaffirms the value of Z Backscatter as a stand-alone technology or in combination with dual-energy transmission to secure high-threat facilities," said Anthony R. Fabiano, President and CEO of AS&E. "The Z Portal and Gemini systems will heighten the detection capability at each checkpoint and provide superior imaging capability of explosive threats and other contraband while maximizing safety and throughput."

AS&E's Z Portal( [R])Cargo & Vehicle Screening System: High-Throughput, Drive-Through Inspection

The Z Portal system is the most comprehensive screening system available with multi-view, drive-through inspection of cars, vans, trucks, and their cargo. Z Portal's patented Z Backscatter technology produces photo-like images for superior detection capability of plastic and liquid explosives, narcotics, and plastics weapons, drugs, stowaways, and alcohol. With its compact design, the Z Portal system is ideal for high-traffic locations with space constraints and a high-throughput requirement and is safe for drivers, operators, cargo, and the environment. The system is available in two sizes -- one for large trucks, buses, and cargo vehicles, and a smaller size for passenger vehicles. Customers include U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Abu Dhabi Customs, and NATO.

About Gemini([TM]): Unique Multi-technology Parcel Inspection Systems

Gemini parcel inspection systems provide the most comprehensive multi-technology threat detection for hand carried parcels, briefcases, mail, and baggage screening. Gemini is the only system to combine AS&E's patented Z Backscatter technology and dual-energy transmission to provide enhanced detection of organic materials (such as explosives including sheet and liquid explosives, drugs, and plastic weapons), and metallic threats (such as guns, knives, and wires for IEDs). In addition, dual-energy offers organic and metallic discrimination. Together, the Gemini System's two technologies provide the most information about the contents of a parcel. Gemini parcel inspection systems are available in multiple tunnel sizes to meet specific security requirements.

About AS&E([R])

American Science and Engineering, Inc. (AS&E) is the leading worldwide supplier of innovative X-ray inspection systems. With over 50 years of experience in developing advanced X-ray security systems, the Company's product line utilizes a combination of technologies, including patented Z Backscatter technology, Radioactive Threat Detection (RTD), high energy transmission and dual energy transmission X-ray. These technologies offer superior X-ray threat detection for plastic explosives, plastic weapons, liquid explosives, dirty bombs and nuclear devices. AS&E's complete range of products include cargo inspection systems for port and border security, baggage screening systems for facility and aviation security, and personnel and passenger screening systems. AS&E systems protect high-threat facilities and help combat terrorism and trade fraud, drug smuggling, weapon smuggling, and illegal immigration and people smuggling. AS&E customers include leading government agencies, border authorities, military bases, airports and corporations worldwide, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), HM Revenue & Customs (U.K.), Hong Kong Customs, Saudi Arabia Customs, and Abu Dhabi 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.