The Market-Leading Z Backscatter Van (ZBV) Deployed in 46
Countries Offers Unparalleled Mobility and Flexibility for Rapid
Explosive and Contraband Detection
American
Science and Engineering, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASEI) (AS&E®),
a leading worldwide supplier of innovative X-ray
inspection solutions, today announced that its top selling, patented
Z Backscatter Van™ (ZBV) has gained an unprecedented level of worldwide
success as the number one selling non-intrusive mobile
inspection system on the market with over 400 ZBV systems sold to 85
customers in 46 countries. The number of ZBV success stories from around
the world continues to grow, from seizures of large quantities of drugs,
to the detection of stowaways and bulk explosives in war zones.
Introduced in 2003, AS&E’s ZBV is faster, more effective, and less
expensive than any other mobile X-ray screening solution available. In
the last year alone, AS&E gained 16 new ZBV customers in 7 countries.
“With over 400 systems sold, the ZBV is widely accepted as the mobile
X-ray system of choice to support a wide variety of critical security
missions,” said Anthony Fabiano, AS&E’s President and CEO. “Its varied
operating modes provide maximum maneuverability for multiple
applications, including force
protection, checkpoint
security, law enforcement, and port and border
security. The ZBV’s exceptional speed and agility combined with its
explosive and contraband
detection capability provides governments and corporations around
the world with an effective tool to secure high threat facilities,
protect civilians, and detect trade fraud and illegal immigration.”
ZBV Proven Success Worldwide
Some examples of the ZBV success that have been covered in national and
international news stories include:
-
U.S./Mexico border: Using the ZBV on the Arizona border,
Border Patrol agents discovered 1,500 pounds of hidden marijuana and
five illegal immigrants in a hidden compartment of a large truck, as
reported by the Associated Press in March of 2009. Further
reports revealed that within the first month of operating the ZBV,
Border Patrol agents seized 30 pounds of cocaine and 17 pounds of
methamphetamine, according to the Green Valley News and Sun in
March of 2009.
-
Military: Utilizing the ZBV to heighten military base
security, a Technical Sergeant noted that the ZBV displays organic
anomalies in vehicles — such as a detonation cord or hidden narcotics
— allowing base security to target suspicious vehicles, as reported in Air
Force Link in April of 2007. The Technical Sergeant also said the
ZBV is safer for search teams because the ZBV can be operated remotely
for bomb detection.
-
Iraq: Iraqi officials utilize two ZBVs along the borders
of the Basra Province, according to a Colonel in the Multinational
Division in UPI Energy in October of 2007.
