BILLERICA, Mass., Oct. 21, 2004. The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has selected American Science and Engineering's (AS&E) Z Backscatter Van (ZBV) for use in a pilot program to screen ferry-bound automobiles for explosives.

The ZBV utilizes highly advanced Z Backscatter technology to produce photo-like scans that highlight explosive materials hidden in vehicles. The 30-day pilot program will take place at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry in Cape May, N.J., and is part of the TSA's Secure Automobile Inspection Lanes (SAIL) project.

"This is yet another example of counterterrorism applications for the ZBV," said Anthony Fabiano, AS&E president and CEO. "The ZBV's ability to produce highly readable photo-like images, coupled with its mobility, maneuverability and high throughput capacity make it ideal for scanning cars and trucks boarding a ferry. TSA continues to evaluate and implement cutting edge technologies, such as Z Backscatter, to enhance the security in all modes of the transportation system. We are gratified that the TSA has selected our proprietary technology for such an important mission."

Since its introduction to the market late last year, more than 50 ZBVs have been sold worldwide. The ZBV is being widely adopted to screen cargo and vehicles at ports and borders, and is also being used in anti-terrorism efforts by police and military forces.
The Z Backscatter Van is a low-cost, highly maneuverable screening system built into a commercially available delivery van. 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. 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.

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 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, see www.as-e.com.