American Science and Engineering, Inc. Receives Asia-Pacific Order for Z Backscatter Van; Z Backscatter Van to be Used for Customs Applications.

BILLERICA, Mass. -- American Science and Engineering, Inc. (AS&E(R)) (AMEX: ASE), a leader in X-ray detection technology, announced today the receipt of an order from an undisclosed Asia-Pacific distributor for a Z(R) Backscatter Van(TM) (ZBV). The system will be used by a Customs Agency for port and border applications.

"The ZBV is a breakthrough solution for cargo and vehicle screening," said Anthony Fabiano, AS&E President and CEO. "The system's mobility, maneuverability and high throughput capacity make it ideal for customs applications. We have sold 33 Z Backscatter Vans to date, and this order represents the 14th international booking-demonstrating the ever-increasing global market potential of this unique proprietary product."

AS&E's Z Backscatter Van is a low-cost, highly maneuverable screening system built into a commercially available delivery van. The ZBV is capable of immediate deployment in response to security threats, and features a high throughput capacity to facilitate rapid inspections without impeding the flow of commerce. The system's unique "drive-by" capability allows one or two operators to conduct X-ray imaging of suspect vehicles and objects as the ZBV drives past.

About AS&E(R)

American Science and Engineering, Inc. develops and manufactures state-of-the-art X-ray inspection systems for homeland security and other critical defense applications. AS&E continues to innovate, create and develop new products by investing in new ideas through research and development, and evolving its technology to meet the needs of an ever-changing world. AS&E's patented Z 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 the material discrimination features of Z Backscatter imaging with the penetration capability of high-energy X-rays for dense cargoes, without the problems caused by excessive radiation. 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 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 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.