AS&E awarded U.S. government deal

BILLERICA, Mass., Aug. 26 (UPI) -- U.S. defense officials announced a contract with American Science and Engineering Inc. for the company's Z Backscatter threat detection technologies.

Massachusetts-based AS&E was awarded a $22.2 million contract from the U.S. government for the company's Z Backscatter Vans X-ray detection technology. Under the deal, AS&E will deliver 22 trademarked Z Backscatter Vans, along with service and support, for unspecified uses by the U.S. government.

The Z Backscatter Van, deployed in combat zones in Iraq, Afghanistan and as part of the Beijing Olympic security effort, detects explosives and other lethal threats while driving.

"This sizable order reinforces the continued value the U.S. government places on our proprietary Z Backscatter Vans for critical counter-terrorism missions," Anthony Fabiano, AS&E president and chief executive officer, said in a statement.

"With this order, the U.S. government has added to its substantial fleet of Z Backscatter Vans to secure checkpoints and borders from vehicle-borne explosives and other high-risk contraband."