American Science and Engineering announces sale of two CargoSearch systems to U.S. Customs; Position solidifies in worldwide market for cargo inspection.

BILLERICA, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 31, 1996--American Science and Engineering Inc. (ASE) announced the award of a contract for the installlation of two CargoSearch systems for U.S. Customs.

CargoSearch is AS&E's proprietary vehicle X-ray inspection system.

This CargoSearch technology was developed for U.S. Customs with funding provided by the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) of the Department of Defense. The first system was installed at Otay Mesa, Calif., at the U.S. Customs Port of Entry as part of the technology development program for the war on drugs. The system incorporates AS&E's proprietary Z Backscatter technology in addition to transmission X-ray imaging. Backscatter X-ray provides unique organic contraband discrimination in confused or cluttered environments. This capability is particularly useful in identifying drugs in vehicles hidden in false walls, false bottoms, tires and other secret compartments. In addition, Z Backscatter is particularly helpful in discriminating organic contraband in cargoes.

Since commissioning in September of 1994, CargoSearch has been responsible for more than 75 seizures and in excess of 10,000 pounds of drug contraband and the identification of undocumented persons hiding in vehicles. Unique features of the system are its safety for operators and low radiation dosage to inspected cargo.

The two new systems will be installed as part of Operation Hard Line on the Southwest border with Mexico. Operation Hard Line is a federal program to aggressively combat the illegal transport of drugs into the United States. The contract provides an option for spares and ongoing maintenance services.

Ralph Sheridan, AS&E CEO, commented, "The U.S. Customs' award is an important next step in the CargoSearch development program for vehicle and cargo inspection systems. These awards confirm the effectiveness of Backscatter technology for the detection of drug contraband in trucks."

The company has just delivered a field mobile vehicle inspection system -- MobileSearch -- to the Department of Defense for operational testing. This system provides the elements of flexibility and surprise for inspection of cars and trucks at border crossings. AS&E is also developing PalletSearch, a palletized cargo inspection system for examination of complex cargoes for high-level government security.

Ralph Sheridan concluded, "Cargo and vehicle inspection is a new market of tremendous potential. Until now, there were no cost effective, radiation safe X-ray systems for cargo and vehicle inspection. The company is now poised to address this global opportunity with both fixed-site and mobile systems for border crossings, seaports and air cargo facilities worldwide."

AS&E develops and manufactures sophisticated X-ray inspection systems for critical detection and security screening solutions. AS&E's patented Z Backscatter technology detects plastic explosives, illegal drugs and other contraband, even when artfully concealed by terrorists or smugglers.

CONTACT: American Science & Engineering

Lee C. Steele or Ralph Sheridan

508/262-8700