American Science and Engineering [ASEI] has received a $6.3 million follow-on order from a Middle East customer for multiple Z Portal cargo and vehicle screening systems to scan vehicles and trucks entering the client’s high-risk facilities to detect explosive threats and contraband. “This follow-on order attests to their satisfaction with AS&E’s comprehensive security solutions,” says Anthony Fabiano, AS&E’s president and CEO. Separately, the company received its first order for its new Z Gantry multi-view Z Backscatter cargo and vehicle inspection system from the Defense Department. The value of the DoD order wasn’t disclosed. The Z Gantry is a bi-directional scanner that operates in a gantry configuration by moving on rails past stationary vehicles and cargo to produce images from three sides–left, right and top. While the Z Gantry is similar to the Z Portal except that it operates on rails, it gives customers another screening option where high throughput isn’t a significant requirement and there’s a desire to eliminate exposure to radiation, Joe Reiss, AS&E’s vice president for Marketing, tells TR2. It also gives customers an option for screening in another mode, he says.