Monday, January 5, 2009

AS&E nabs $2.2M order for X-ray vans

By Brendan Lynch

American Science and Engineering Inc. reports it has landed $2.2 million from an unnamed Middle Eastern law enforcement agency for its mobile X-ray detection technology.

Under the deal, AS&E (Nasdaq: ASEI) will provide multiple Z Backscatter Vans — mobile X-ray screening systems built into standard commercial vans intended to allow for “drive-by” inspection. One or two operators can conduct X-ray imaging while the ZBV drives past suspicious vehicles and objects. A remote console is also available for operating the system from a distance of up to 500 meters while the van is parked, the company said. The order also includes AS&E-provided operator training, service and warranty.

In December AS&E landed $2.8 million from an unnamed Middle Eastern government for the X-ray detection vans.

The fall was busy for AS&E, which pulled in about $40 million in contracts since September, including a $22.1 million dollar contract from the U.S. Army for maintenance on cargo and vehicle inspection systems located in southwestern Asia. The other contracts, for the company’s Z Backscatter Van, OmniView Gantry inspection system and Z Portal screening system, came from an unnamed U.S. government agency and unnamed Middle Eastern governments.

Billerica-based AS&E reported a 2008 net income of $17.5 million on revenue of $166.7 million.