American Science and Engineering, Inc. Receives $8.5 Million Order from Egyptian Port for Shaped Energy-TM- Inspection System.

Business/Technology Editors

BILLERICA, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 2, 2002

Port Of Sokhna Leads Maritime Industry in Providing Inspection Systems

to Protect Cargo Operations

American Science and Engineering, Inc. (AMEX:ASE), ("AS&E(R)"), announced an order for X-ray inspection systems from the private Port of Sokhna, which is owned by Egyptian Container Handling Company and operated by Sokhna Port. The Port of Sokhna is a new commercial port and industrial complex on the strategically vital Red Sea, located a short distance from Cairo. The order includes AS&E's new high-energy Shaped Energy(TM) system for sea container inspection, as well as two parcel X-ray systems for small cargo moving through the port. This order comes on the heels of a major drug seizure generated by an AS&E MobileSearch(TM) system deployed at the Port of Nueibaa, Egypt.

AS&E's patented Shaped Energy(TM) technology - capable of penetrating 25 centimeters (10 inches) of solid steel - shapes the high-energy X-ray spectrum to reduce radiation that is unnecessary for achieving penetration. In so doing, the technology provides a high-energy, penetrating X-ray without the attendant problems of hazardous radiation. In addition, these systems employ Z(R) Backscatter detection for dual-sided imaging - a technology that maximizes organic and inorganic contraband detection by producing photo-like images, allowing rapid analysis of containers.

"This order adds to our growing presence in the Middle East," said Ralph Sheridan, CEO and President. "Sixty-seven AS&E cargo inspection systems have been deployed in 10 different countries. Seventeen are operating in the Middle East with 10 units located at airports, seaports and borders in Egypt. The Sokhna project is the first Shaped Energy(TM) order from a commercial customer, signifying a growing interest by the private sector in taking responsibility for port inspection. Post-9/11, commercial operators recognize their responsibility to protect cargo logistics form terrorism and other cargo crimes including drug smuggling and trade fraud. By establishing strong security practices, these operators enhance the value of their ports to world trade."

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.