AS&E receives first South American order for backscatter X-ray van

Published 30 March 2006

Manufacturer of an effective, if controversial, backscatter X-ray scanner receives first order for the mobile version of the device from south of the border

Billerica, Massachusetts-based American Science and Engineering (NASDAQ: ASEI) has received its first order from South America for the Z Backscatter Van (ZBV). The order includes operator training, service, and warranty. AS&E’s ZBV is a mobile screening system built into a commercially available delivery van. The ZBV allows for immediate deployment in response to security threats. The system is, in effect, a “drive-by” screening machine, allowing one or two operators to conduct X-ray imaging while the ZBV drives past suspect vehicles and objects. For added security for personnel in especially dangerous environments, a remote console is available to operate the system in stationary mode from a distance of up to 500 meters.

We are pleased to see our first South American ZBV order and that the benefits of the ZBV are reaching new markets,” said Anthony Fabiano, President and CEO. “We are working with this customer to provide innovative solutions to strengthen their port and border security. The ZBV is ideal when a wide-range of settings and locations are involved — in fact, the ZBV offers the most maneuverability in a mobile X-ray system on the market to find hidden organic substances. International and domestic clients alike give the ZBV high marks for its flexibility in handling an array of complex security situations.”