AS&E receives DoD order for mobile x-ray systems

MAY 16--American Science and Engineering Inc. (AS&E; Billerica, MA; www.as-e.com/) has received an order from the US Department of Defense (DoD) for two MobileSearch x-ray inspection systems, valued at $4.5 million. The order was placed under a blanket purchase agreement that AS&E won in May 2002. The systems, to be deployed at domestic military bases for force protection applications, will be equipped with AS&E's Radioactive Threat Detection technology and Backscatter-Only functionality. The order calls for the two systems to be delivered by September 2003.

According to the company, MobileSearch x-ray inspection systems provide an effective means for detecting weapons, plastic explosives, illegal drugs, and other organic and inorganic contraband. Says Ralph Sheridan, president and chief executive officer of AS&E, "These two systems will be equipped with AS&E's Radioactive Threat Detection technology to guard against nuclear devices and dirty bombs, as well as Backscatter-Only mode, which allows for rapid screenings in crowded locations. These technologies are unique to AS&E and enhance the benefits of Z backscatter and transmission x-ray inspection."