BILLERICA, Mass. – June 19, 2012 – American Science and Engineering, Inc. (“AS&E”), a leading worldwide supplier of innovative X-ray detection solutions, unveiled today the ZBV S-Class, the newest addition to the Company’s line of top-selling, patented Z Backscatter Vans (ZBV). The ZBV S-Class offers a sleek, contemporary appearance with a reduced operational footprint for scanning objects in space constrained areas.
With the addition of the ZBV S-Class, the ZBV system is now available in three configurations — ZBV C-Class, ZBV R-Class, and ZBV S-Class — to meet the diverse needs of ZBV customers:
• ZBV C-Class: The original ZBV system built with a custom coach on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter cab chassis.
• ZBV R-Class: Built for rugged terrain, the Ford F550 chassis offers 4WD, additional ground clearance and a crew cab for extra space.
• ZBV S-Class: The newest addition to the ZBV line, built in a standard Mercedes-Benz Sprinter panel van for a contemporary appearance and with a reduced operational footprint for scanning objects in the tightest confines.
“With today’s announcement we are expanding and improving on the most successful product in Company history — AS&E’s world-leading Z Backscatter Van — and ensuring we meet our customers’ evolving inspection requirements,” said Anthony R. Fabiano, President and CEO of AS&E. “With more than 600 ZBV systems sold to more than 120 different customers in 55 countries, including the most prestigious customs and government agencies around the world, the ZBV system is the most flexible and easiest-to-use mobile inspection system on the market. Since its introduction in 2003, the ZBV system has consistently received the highest marks for quality, reliability, and performance with a proven record of detection results. With the addition of the S-Class, we have given our customers a new ZBV system with a more streamlined look and added flexibility to fit their unique operational requirements.”
ZBV: The Number One Selling Cargo and Vehicle Inspection System in the World
The ZBV system is used by leading government agencies, border authorities, military bases, law enforcement departments and security agencies worldwide, including: U.S. Customs and Border Protection on multiple borders; Abu Dhabi Customs to safeguard borders; NATO C3 Agency at military checkpoints; Bulgaria Customs combating trade fraud on borders; Dutch Customs Administration to scan empty airplanes; the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to protect a high-level facility; the Port of Venice to perform rapid inspections of suspect vehicles; Tunisian Customs to combat trade fraud; customs security for a Port Authority in Asia; and the Democratic Republic of Congo to fight the illegal export of timber. The U.S. government has deployed hundreds of ZBV systems for homeland security and force protection applications to detect VBIEDs (vehicle borne improvised explosive devices), drugs, stowaways and other contraband in war zones, military bases, and on U.S. ports and borders.
The ZBV system incorporates Z Backscatter technology — pioneered and perfected at AS&E — and provides a single-sided configuration, small footprint, user friendly operation, rapid scan speed and varied operating modes to provide maximum maneuverability and flexibility for multiple applications.
