Abstract: An active, automatic-firing, impact responsive cable-cutting apparatus for use on conventional aircraft such as helicopters for virtually instantaneously forcibly severing obstructive cables. A lightweight, non-corrosive frame comprising a mounting base portion and an integral, outwardly extending, angular deflection arm is adapted to be selectively mounted on an aircraft or on an extension pole which extends downwardly toward the ground or forward of the nose of the aircraft. Mechanical firing components of the assembly are housed within a cylindrical sleeve adapted to be accessed for maintenance through a removable butt. Sharpened, serrated guide blades extending along outwardly angled forward edges of the frame are adapted to strain the outer periphery of a cable as it is forcibly deflected and guided into a central mouth. A removable cutting block is provided at the interior of the apparatus adjacent the cutting assembly mouth in operative association with a rigid, angular, cutter knife.