American Science and Engineering, Inc. Receives $2.2 Million R&D Contract to Develop Ruggedized Z Backscatter Van (ZBV).

AS&E to implement ZBV technology on a platform for harsh environments

BILLERICA, Mass. -- American Science and Engineering, Inc. (AS&E([R])) (NASDAQ:ASEI), a leader in X-ray detection technology, announced today the receipt of a $2.2 million Research and Development contract from the U.S. Government to deliver a 'ruggedized' Z([R]) Backscatter Van([TM]) (ZBV([TM])). The robust system will be configured to meet the U.S. Government's specifications for operation in harsh environments. Like the ZBV, these mobile systems will be easily relocatable in mission-critical areas and produce photo-like X-ray images of vehicles and other objects for rapid threat analysis.

Anthony Fabiano, AS&E President and CEO, commented, "The ruggedized ZBV is a natural development for the ZBV system Co the world's top selling non-intrusive cargo and vehicle inspection system. We continue to develop new applications using our proprietary Z([R]) Backscatter([TM]) technology to meet the evolving security concerns of our customers. AS&E is supporting this valued U.S. Government client by taking the technology capability of the ZBV and outfitting it for harsh terrain. The resulting ruggedized ZBV will expand our product offerings and fill an immediate need for the U.S. Government for their critical counterterrorism missions."

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, CBP, 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.

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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.