AS&E Cargo and Vehicle Inspection System to Be Used at Port of Charleston

June 16, 2006
Company reports contract for high-energy inspection system from undisclosed government agency

BILLERICA, Mass. -- American Science and Engineering, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASEI) (AS&E), a leader in X-ray detection technology, announced today the receipt of a $3.4 million contract from a U.S. Government Agency for its OmniView Gantry Inspection System. The OmniView Gantry System will be deployed at the Port of Charleston to protect against security threats and contraband.

"The relocatable OmniView Gantry is an ideal solution to secure our nation's ports," said Anthony Fabiano, President and CEO. "AS&E is working closely with this U.S. Government Agency to provide state-of-the-art technology to efficiently inspect containerized cargo. As part of the total security strategy at the Port of Charleston, the OmniView Gantry System will be utilized to inspect 'high-risk' containers for explosive threats and contraband. The System's high penetration capability enables the Port Authority to inspect very dense and complex cargo while providing a rapid cycle-time for inspection. As the busiest seaport along the Southeast and Gulf coasts(1), the Port of Charleston requires the high-throughput capability that OmniView offers."

The OmniView Gantry System provides 6 MeV high-energy transmission inspection for high penetration into inspected objects -- up to 14 inches (350 mm) of steel -- yet the system does not require an exterior building or heavy shielding. The OmniView Gantry System's scanning platform operates by moving on rails past stationary vehicles and cargo. The system is bi-directional allowing for a high-throughput of approximately 2 trucks per scan, 24 trucks per hour.