American Science and Engineering, Inc. Receives $2.2 Million Order from U.S. Department of Defense for Force Protection Applications.

Business/Technology Editors

BILLERICA, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 4, 2002

Air Force Enhances Security Measures with MobileSearch(TM) X-ray

Inspection System

American Science and Engineering, Inc. (AMEX: ASE) announced today the receipt of a $2.2 million order from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) for a MobileSearch(TM) X-ray inspection system, which includes a multi-year service warranty. The system, equipped with "Backscatter-only" capability, will be shipped during the current quarter and will be deployed in a strategically located U.S. Air Force Base for the inspection of incoming vehicles and freight for terrorist threats.

Ralph Sheridan, CEO and President, commented, "DoD and Force Protection's mission is dependent on successful detection, where compromise is not an option. This MobileSearch system will be used in a high-security facility where there is no tolerance of a security breach. MobileSearch combines two detection technologies, transmission and Z(R) Backscatter, providing a highly effective tool for security officials to interdict terrorist threats - essential to the protection of our armed forces."

This MobileSearch system, with its "Backscatter-only" capability, is able to rapidly and covertly screen suspicious vehicles and cargo to determine the need for further investigation. Z(R) Backscatter technology produces photo-like images of cargo contents and highlights organic materials, complementing transmission X-rays. This order, which represents the 50th MobileSearch system award, follows a recent DoD/ Force Protection purchase for two MobileSearch systems that was placed under the $500 million blanket purchase agreement with AS&E.

About AS&E(R)

AS&E(R) develops and manufactures sophisticated X-ray inspection products for critical detection and security applications. These systems are solving an expanding range of inspection problems including detecting car and truck bombs, combating weapons smuggling, and imaging cargo to expose trade fraud and illegal immigration. 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. AS&E's Shaped Energy(TM) X-ray inspection systems combine material discrimination features of Z(R) Backscatter imaging with the penetration capability of high-energy X-rays for dense cargoes. AS&E's High Energy Systems Division manufactures linear accelerators for a variety of applications including medical, scientific, security, electron beam curing and non-destructive testing. For more information on AS&E products and technologies, please visit AS&E's web site at http://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 sole-source component incorporated into the AS&E'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 "Forward-Looking Information and Factors Affecting Future Performance" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ending March 31, 2002.