MINI Z System Featured on Episode of NBC's "Chicago P.D." Show

Breakthrough MINI Z Handheld Imaging System Used to Uncover Currency


Billerica, MA, Jan. 15, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American Science and Engineering, Inc. ("AS&E") (NASDAQ: ASEI) a leading worldwide supplier of innovative X-ray detection solutions, announced today that the Company's MINI Z™ handheld Z Backscatter® screening system appeared on the January 14, 2015 episode of NBC's "Chicago P.D." In episode 211, the MINI Z system was featured in a realistic scene to help uncover currency hidden in a plastic gas tank. The episode is available online at www.nbc.com/chicago-pd.

The MINI Z system is the world's first handheld Z Backscatter imaging system, providing law enforcement, public safety, security, and port and border officials with fast, portable, real-time detection of concealed threats and contraband, even in the most hard-to-reach places. Using AS&E's signature Z Backscatter technology, the system can detect drugs, explosives, and other organic materials concealed behind non-metallic surfaces, allowing for the effective screening and better visibility into a wide variety of items such as suspicious bags, walls, furniture, small boats, aircraft, vehicle tires, and car interiors. Experience the MINI Z system with a virtual demo at www.meetminiz.com.

Since its introduction in 2014, the MINI Z has been named Popular Science magazine's "Best of What's New" and was recognized as an ASIS Accolades Award winner and the top honor of "Judge's Choice" for Most Innovative New Product. Recently, the MINI Z system scored its first real-world drug seizure, discovering a large quantity of well concealed marijuana valued at more than $150,000 during a recent customer demonstration. AS&E has received initial MINI Z bookings and has begun to ship systems to end-users and key channel partners around the world.

About "Chicago P.D."

From multiple Emmy Award-winning executive producer Dick Wolf and the team behind the hit series "Chicago Fire," "Chicago P.D." is a riveting police drama about the men and women of the Chicago Police Department's elite Intelligence Unit, combatting the city's most heinous offenses -- organized crime, drug trafficking, high-profile murders and beyond. "Chicago P.D." is produced by Wolf Films in association with Universal Television.

About American Science & Engineering

American Science and Engineering, Inc. (AS&E) is the trusted global provider of threat and contraband detection solutions for ports, borders, military, critical infrastructure, law enforcement, and aviation. With over 50 years of experience, AS&E offers proven, advanced X-ray inspection systems to combat terrorism, drug smuggling, illegal immigration and trade fraud. AS&E systems are designed in a variety of configurations for cargo and vehicle inspection, parcel inspection, and personnel screening. Using a combination of technologies, these systems provide superior detection capabilities, with high-energy, dual-energy, and Z Backscatter X-rays. Learn more about AS&E products and technologies at www.as-e.com and follow us on Twitter @ase_detects.

Public Relations Contact:

Dana Harris                                                                              Laura Berman

Red Javelin Communications, Inc.                                          American Science and Engineering, Inc.

978-440-8392                                                                           978-262-8700

dana@redjavelin.com                                                               lberman@as-e.com

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.

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