BILLERICA, Mass., Jan. 14, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American Science and Engineering, Inc. ("AS&E") (Nasdaq:ASEI), a leading worldwide supplier of innovative X-ray detection solutions, announced today the receipt of an order for the Company's top-selling, patented Z Backscatter^™ Van (ZBV) from Indra Sistemas SA, AS&E's exclusive distributor in Spain, for use by Spain Customs and Excise, a department within the Spanish Tax Agency. With this order, Spain will obtain its first ZBV system, which will be used on their borders for trade fraud interdiction of items such as cigarettes. This also marks the first order for the recently introduced ZBV S-Class, which offers a reduced operational footprint and a sleek, contemporary appearance.

"Spain Customs and Excise joins many of the world's most prestigious customs and government organizations that rely on the ZBV system to regulate trade fraud across their borders and collect unpaid revenue on smuggled goods," said Anthony R. Fabiano, President and CEO of AS&E. "Our highly mobile ZBV screening system has proven time and again its ability to safely and successfully detect contraband, with many reported seizures of tobacco and alcohol. With the ZBV S-Class, Spain Customs and Excise will have a more streamlined chassis that provides added flexibility for scanning objects in space constrained areas on their borders."

Z Backscatter Van (ZBV): The Number One Selling Cargo & Vehicle Inspection System in the World

A breakthrough in X-ray detection technology, Z Backscatter Van is the number one selling cargo and vehicle inspection system on the market, with more than 625 systems sold to more than 125 different customers in 57 countries. Since its introduction in 2003, the ZBV system has consistently received the highest marks for quality, reliability, and performance with a proven record of detection results. The ZBV system is a low-cost, highly mobile screening system built into a commercially available delivery van. It allows for immediate deployment in response to security threats, and its high throughput capability facilitates rapid inspections.

The ZBV system is used by leading government agencies, border authorities, military bases, law enforcement departments and security agencies worldwide, including: U.S. Customs and Border Protection on multiple borders; Abu Dhabi Customs to safeguard borders; NATO Communications and Information Agency at military checkpoints; Bulgaria Customs combating trade fraud on borders; Dutch Customs Administration to scan empty airplanes; the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to protect a high-level facility; the Port of Venice to perform rapid inspections of suspect vehicles; Tunisian Customs to combat trade fraud; customs security for a Port Authority in Asia; and the Democratic Republic of Congo to fight the illegal export of timber. The U.S. government has deployed hundreds of ZBV systems for homeland security and force protection applications to detect VBIEDs (vehicle borne improvised explosive devices), drugs, stowaways and other contraband in war zones, military bases, and on U.S. ports and borders.

The ZBV system incorporates Z Backscatter technology — pioneered and perfected at AS&E — and provides a single-sided configuration, small footprint, user friendly operation, rapid scan speed and varied operating modes to provide maximum maneuverability and flexibility for multiple applications.

The ZBV system is now available in three configurations — ZBV C-Class, ZBV R-Class, and ZBV S-Class — to meet the diverse needs of ZBV customers:

• ZBV C-Class: The original ZBV system built with a custom coach on a Mercedes-Benz^® Sprinter cab chassis.
• ZBV R-Class: Built for rugged terrain, the Ford^® F550^® chassis offers 4WD, additional ground clearance and a crew cab for extra space.
• ZBV S-Class: The newest addition to the ZBV line, built in a standard Mercedes-Benz Sprinter panel van for a contemporary appearance and with a reduced operational footprint for scanning objects in the tightest confines.

About AS&E

American Science and Engineering, Inc. (AS&E) is a leading worldwide supplier of innovative X-ray inspection systems. With over 50 years of experience in developing advanced X-ray security systems, the Company's product line utilizes a combination of technologies, including patented Z Backscatter^™ technology, Radioactive Threat Detection (RTD), high energy transmission and dual energy transmission X-ray. These technologies offer superior X-ray threat detection for plastic explosives, plastic weapons, liquid explosives, dirty bombs and nuclear devices. AS&E's complete range of products include cargo inspection systems for port and border security, baggage screening systems for facility and aviation security, and personnel and passenger screening systems. AS&E^® systems protect high-threat facilities and help combat terrorism, trade fraud, drug smuggling, weapon smuggling, illegal immigration, and people smuggling. For more information on AS&E products and technologies, please visit AS&E's new website at 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, delays or cancellations (in full or in part) 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; limitations under certain laws on the Company's ability to protect its own intellectual property; 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; the potential insufficiency of Company resources, including human resources, capital, plant and equipment and management systems, to accommodate any future growth; technical problems and other delays that could impact new product development and the Company's ability to adapt to changes in technology and customer requirements; competitive pressures; lengthy sales cycles both in United States government procurement and procurement abroad;  future delays in federal funding, the market price of the company's stock prevailing from time to time, the nature of other investment opportunities presented to the company from time to time, the company's cash flows from operations and market and general economic conditions. 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. Readers are further advised to review the "Risk Factors" set forth in the Company's most recent Form 10-Q and Form 10-K,  which further detail and supplement the factors described in this Safe Harbor Statement.  Among other disclosures, the Risk Factors disclose risks pertaining to that portion of the Company's business that is dependent on United States government contracting as well as international customers.

CONTACT: Public Relations Contact:
         Dana Harris
         Red Javelin Communications, Inc.
         978-440-8392
         dana@redjavelin.com
         
         Laura Berman
         American Science and Engineering, Inc.
         978-262-8700
         lberman@as-e.com