AS&E lands government contract

American Science and Engineering Inc., a Billerica company focused on X-ray detection technology, said today that the company has received a $22.2 million order from the US government.

The contract is for 22 Z Backscatter Vans, or ZBVs, a mobile X-ray screening system, the company said.

(The image above, taken from the company's website, shows how the system might detect stowaways hidden among cargo.)

"This sizable order reinforces the continued value the US government places on our proprietary Z Backscatter Vans for critical counterterrorism missions," Anthony Fabiano, company president and chief executive, said in a statement. "With this order, the US government has added to its substantial fleet of ZBVs to secure checkpoints and borders from vehicle-borne explosives and other high-risk contraband."
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)