TEXT EXHIBIT 99.1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

American Science and Engineering, Inc. Receives $6.6 Million Order
from the U.S. Government for Multiple Z® Backscatter Vans and Parcel X-ray Systems

Latest Order Demonstrates Increasing Demand for Z Backscatter Technology for Counterterrorism Applications

BILLERICA, Mass. — January 5, 2005 — American Science and Engineering, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASEI) (AS&E^®), a leader in X-ray detection technology, announced today the receipt of a $6.6 million order from the U.S Government for three Z Backscatter Van™ (ZBV) X-ray screening systems and multiple 101Z™ parcel X-ray systems. The Z Backscatter Vans will be configured for operation in harsh environments and to operate in “Portal Mode,” which allows operators to inspect passing vehicles from a stationary position. The order also includes installation, operator training and a one-year parts warranty.

“AS&E is honored to continue to supply the U.S. Government with our proprietary technology for their evolving counterterrorism applications,” said Anthony Fabiano, President and CEO. “The ZBV’s speed and agility makes it a very attractive tool for these missions. The U.S. Government has also selected AS&E’s parcel X-ray systems because of their unique and proven ability to detect plastic explosives, plastic weapons and other contraband. Unlike competitive products, AS&E’s parcel inspection systems are equipped with Z^®Backscatter technology which provides photo-like images of the contents of the object under examination —allowing the user to clearly and precisely identify threats.”

A breakthrough in X-ray detection technology, AS&E’s Z Backscatter Van is a low-cost, highly mobile screening system built into a commercially available delivery van. The ZBV allows for immediate deployment in response to security threats, and its high throughput capability facilitates rapid inspections. The system’s unique “drive-by” capability allows one or two operators to conduct X-ray imaging while the ZBV drives past suspect vehicles and objects.

AS&E’s 101Z X-ray inspection systems use the most effective X-ray detection technologies — Z Backscatter plus transmission — to provide safe and non-intrusive security solutions. AS&E parcel and baggage inspection systems are designed to quickly detect even the most elusive threats or contraband in parcels.

About AS&E^®

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^TM 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. For more information on AS&E products and technologies, please visit http://www.as-e.com.

For more information:

Laura Berman

American Science and Engineering, Inc. (978) 262-8700

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 or delays 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; 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; and the potential insufficiency of Company resources, including human resources, capital,