American Science and Engineering, Inc. Receives $2.3 Million Order from the U.S. Government for 31 Parcel X-ray Inspection Systems.

Business/Technology Editors

BILLERICA, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 5, 2002

Latest Government Order Indicates Strong Demand for AS&E High

Performance Systems featuring Z(R) Backscatter 

American Science and Engineering, Inc. (AMEX:ASE), ("AS&E(R)"), today announced the receipt of a $2.3 million order for 31 parcel X-ray inspection systems from a U.S. Government agency with an option for 31 additional units. The new systems, to be implemented at entry points of high-security facilities for mail and parcel screening, will be deployed in both domestic and international locations.

"This is a continuation of a strong order flow from high-threat U.S. Government facilities," commented Ralph Sheridan, CEO and President. "The post-9/11 reality requires the deployment of the best possible detection technologies. AS&E clients have a mission that is dependent on successful detection - where compromise is not an option. The combination of transmission detection with Z(R) Backscatter achieves the highest level of effectiveness for security professionals in the battle against terrorism."

AS&E's systems are currently used by 38 U.S. Government agencies to protect personnel and infrastructure against terrorist threats.

About AS&E(R)

AS&E 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.