Abstract: The invention is a bolt carrier with a modified cam path that prevents undesired contact between a cam pin and the sidewall of an upper receiver.

Abstract: An emergency stop device for a weapon with a drive for transporting a breech block of the weapon. At least one guide, at least one connecting rod guided in the guide, and at least one lever are provided. When a shot is not being fired, the kinematic system is deactivated. When a shot is being fired, the at least one guide is moved rearwards, and the at least one connecting rod is guided upwards along the guide such that the lever exerts a lever movement, by means of which the transport of the breech block is made possible. The weapon drive has a complete control slide for transporting the breech block of the weapon. A bolt is laterally embedded in the transverse slide, said bolt being integrated below the complete control slide of the drive in a movable manner in the slide.

Abstract: A projectile and a projectile mount having a central bore into which the projectile is mounted and includes rotational formations functionally engaging between the projectile and the projectile mount which in use provides rotational motion to the projectile around an axis of rotation by the propulsion of the projectile along the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A breech ammunition drive for the breech of a weapon using an external drive is provided. A long connecting rod converts the rotational movement into a linear breech movement, and a short connecting rod moves the breech. The rear end or pin of the long connecting rod is fixed on or in the drive, and the front end engages onto a rack that is fixed to the weapon and onto a slider of the breech support or the breech via a toothing. The short connecting rod is retained in the slider and guided by same, and the connecting rod engages into a transverse slot introduced above the connecting rod and below the breech support. The short connecting rod is guided in the slot fixed to the weapon, the slot having a rear end point into which the connecting rod is inserted.

Abstract: A reciprocally-cycled, externally-powered weapon may include a rotative driver connected via a crank and connecting rod to the operating group of the weapon. The connecting rod may be connected to a pinion that meshes with a translating rack and a stationary rack. The translating rack may be connected to the operating group, and the stationary rack may be fixed to the receiver of the weapon. The energy needed to fire the weapon may be supplied by an energy generator. The minimum amount of energy supplied by the energy generator may be independent of the speed of translation of the operating group and may be sufficient to reliably result in cartridge ignition, thereby providing an infinitely adjustable firing rate.

Abstract: An improved system and operating method for a smoke generator machine and control room to be enclosed into a single trailer for the training of personnel in the art of visible smoke opacity compliance monitoring of industrial smoke discharge from smoke stacks by distinguishing the variations of smoke opacity emission based on the requirements set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency EPA said smoke generator is principally used for production of white and black smoke for simulating smoke discharge from industrial smoke stacks by heating various fuels to the flash point in burn boxes to create white or black smoke and venting said smoke through a duct system to a smoke stack by creating a artificial draft by a speed control fan.

Abstract: A device for controlling an automatic weapon is provided. Disposed on or in a housing detachably mounted on the weapon is an electric drive motor, controlled by an electric control device, that drives a threaded spindle having a spindle nut on which is disposed a driver. A cocking bolt is guided on the housing and is coupled with a safety catch of the weapon, and is disposed in the path of movement of the driver and is movable out of a starting position, counter to the spring force acting on a safety catch, back to a cocking position in an end position of the spindle nut. In the cocking position, the cocking bolt is arrested by an arresting lever in the end position of the spindle nut, corresponding to the safety condition of the weapon. The cocking bolt is released by the spindle nut during its advancement in the starting position thereof, which corresponds to the released safety catch position of the weapon and leads to advancement of the cocking bolt and safety catch.

Abstract: A firing mechanism for a rotary machine gun is disclosed. The machine gun includes a housing that rotatably mounts a rotor assembly. The rotor assembly is configured to receive a plurality of ammunition rounds and includes a plurality of firing pins. The firing mechanism includes a percussion system that is disposed on the housing and operates to engage each of the firing pins as the rotor assembly rotates. The percussion system delivers a mechanical force to one of the plurality of ammunition rounds. The firing mechanism further includes an electrical contact that is connected to an electrical power source. The electrical contact is disposed in the housing to contact each of the firing pins as the rotor assembly rotates and to deliver electrical energy to the one ammunition round.

Abstract: A machine gun, representatively a 30 mm machine gun, is mounted on an outer end portion of a support plank structure projecting out of the cabin area of a helicopter using a roller cradle assembly secured to the outer plank end. A variety of structural improvements are incorporated into the machine gun to (1) reduce its mechanical complexity, (2) reduce its firing recoil to make the gun more suitable for light aircraft mounting, and to improve the gun's firing controllability and accuracy, and (3) to make the gun easily and quickly field strippable, for cleaning, inspection and repair purposes, without requiring the services of a highly skilled armament mechanic or taking the gun to a specialized repair facility.

Abstract: A machine gun, representatively a 30 mm machine gun, is mounted on an outer end portion of a support plank structure projecting out of the cabin area of a helicopter using a roller cradle assembly secured to the outer plank end. A variety of structural improvements are incorporated into the machine gun to (1) reduce its mechanical complexity, (2) reduce its firing recoil to make the gun more suitable for light aircraft mounting, and to improve the gun's firing controllability and accuracy, and (3) to make the gun easily and quickly field strippable, for cleaning, inspection and repair purposes, without requiring the services of a highly skilled armament mechanic or taking the gun to a specialized repair facility.

Abstract: The cooling-air outlet of a vehicle comprises a grill and a frame which encloses said grill and is provided on an outside wall of the vehicle. In order to render the grill, as far as possible, invisible in a thermal-imaging environment, the frame projects beyond the grill to the outside and comprises a hollow profile which forms a flow channel with an inlet opening and an outlet opening, a difference in pressure prevailing between inlet opening and outlet opening. This difference in pressure may be produced by an external or internal blower.

Abstract: A conformable weapons platform (52) has a cavity (60) in a skin of an aircraft. A weapon launching system (62) is contained in the cavity (60). A pair of elastomer doors (56, 58) are attached to a perimeter of the cavity.

Abstract: A weapon includes a barrel for firing ammunition therefrom; and an apparatus for monitoring firing stresses of the barrel. The apparatus includes a body sound sensor mounted on the weapon and emitting a first signal representing body oscillations of the weapon upon firing; and an electronic evaluating device connected to an output of the sensor. The electronic evaluating device includes a comparator for comparing measuring signals, representing the first signals, with reference signals representing different charges and for emitting second signals representing results of the comparison; and a non-volatile memory operatively connected to the comparator for additively receiving the second signals and for releasing, on demand, the number of firings and information on an accumulated firing stress of the barrel.

Abstract: A flame cannon for producing an explosion, the cannon including a tank, an effect valve, a nozzle and an ignitor, the tank coupled to a carbon dioxide source and a propane source, the tank and sources used to pressurize liquid propane therein. The nozzle forms a substantially linear and non-atomizing channel. When the effect valve between the tank and nozzle is opened, the pressurized liquid propane is forced through the nozzle and forms a liquid propane column thereabove which begins to disburse into the atmosphere wherein it is ignited to form a mushroom-shaped explosion.

Abstract: A surveillance system is disclosed for preventing violence which may occur during attempts of armed robberies or acts of terrorism, thereby improving the security of persons within public buildings, governmental and industrial facilities. The system utilizes one or more optical imaging device(s) strategically located throughout the facility under surveillance, and in particular the entry ways therein for detecting potentially armed individuals or intruders entering or moving about the facility. The optical imaging devices operate in conjunction with a computor system having one or more databases containing information indicative of the presence of weapons and representing the types thereof which may be brandished by one or more persons entering the area under surveillance, and data indicative of the spectrum of human pre-aggressive movements, postures and gestures. The databases enable the system to differentiate between law enforcement personnel and their weapons from potential intruders and their weapons.

Abstract: A self-loading weapon includes a bolt and a tension slide slidably mounted in the housing of the weapon, and an interlocking mechanism for securely locking the tension slide in its front end position during the shooting operation of the weapon. The interlocking mechanism comprises an angled lever which is pivotally connected to the tension slide. One arm of the angled lever is formed as a hand grip protruding from the weapon for manually moving the tension slide and the breech block. A second arm of the angled lever has a latch formed thereon for engaging a stop formed in the housing when the tension slide is in its front end position to prevent the tension slide from rearward movement.

Abstract: A ballistic containment device for use in inspecting, loading and unloading firearms having an outer drum with a rim portion defining an open end, an inner wall surface and a closed end, together forming an outer chamber into which is suspended a semi-rigid kinetic energy absorptive member, which member is constructed from a plurality of layers of fabric woven from long chain synthetic polyamide fibre, which layers are bonded to one another by a non-rigid adhesive material. The kinetic energy absorptive member is suspended into the catchment member, from the rim portion as aforesaid, by means of a support web constructed of a plurality of overlapping straps of fabric woven from long chain synthetic polyamide fibre bonded to the kinetic energy absorptive member by means of the non-rigid adhesive material.

Abstract: An armed-state detector for the testing of "live" antitank mines is discld. The invention allows a user to determine, from a safe distance, if a mine is in an "active" state. A pole mounted sensor array is placed over the mine to sample the weak repetitive magnetic field that emanates from "active" mines. A hand-held, battery powered, detector box provides an audible or visual indication of whether or not the mine is "active". In addition to indicating that the mine is "active", the armed-state detector allows the user to determine the angular orientation of the magnetometer common to all antitank mines. The detector also provides a means whereby limited diagnostics can be performed on an unexploded mine. With the armed-state detector the user can determine if the fuze of an unexploded mine has been "killed" outright, or has merely failed to respond to the test stimulus.

Abstract: A rocket-fired visual signalling apparatus and method includes a rocket, an elongated streamer having a first end portion connected to the rocket and a rocket launcher for launching the rocket so that the rocket pulls the streamer into the air such that when the rocket burns out, the streamer is spread out over the surrounding ground cover to facilitate visibility of the streamer.

Abstract: A method of firing an automatic weapon in an underwater environment is diosed. The automatic weapon includes a barrel having a muzzle end and a chamber within the barrel. The method includes the steps of loading a blank round of ammunition into the chamber, first detonating the blank round of ammunition, creating gas and steam within the chamber as a result of detonating the blank round of ammunition, commingling expanded gas and steam to form a bubble at the muzzle end of the barrel, thereby displacing water from the chamber of the barrel and forming a dry environment throughout the chamber of the barrel, loading at least one live round of ammunition into the chamber, and detonating and firing the at least one live round of ammunition from within the dry environment prior to dissipation of the bubble.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to automatically sense and check the presence and absence of particulate matter and simultaneously confirm the seating position of a projectile in a predetermined ram depth in a bore of a gun is disclosed. The present invention combines optical and laser diode vision with solid-state controls and mechanical systems with the relevant interface wherein the operation of the apparatus is electronically co-ordinated with the gun fire control system and the breech block operations of the gun.

Abstract: A gas generating device is constructed of a gas generator, a hammer pin trigger device and a gas guide slot. The gas generator has a detonator. The hammer pin trigger device has a hammer pin arranged movably toward the detonator so that the hammer pin is caused to strike and fire the detonator. The gas guide slot is formed at a joint portion between the gas generator and the hammer pin trigger device for guiding gas, which occurs upon firing the detonator, in a specific direction to an outside of the gas generating device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disarming a pipe bomb wherein one of the end caps of the pipe bomb is knocked off with a sudden blow, such that the pipe bomb will be spun around somewhat in circles and the powder and/or contents employed in the bomb will be thrown out without detonation. The apparatus employs an explosively driven piston, acting like a hammer, with the explosive driving the piston, being detonated using a time delay fuse.

Abstract: An apparatus for mortars for simulating the loading and firing of live ammunition by using a dummy shell. The apparatus includes a mortar, a spacer piece, and a dummy shell. The spacer piece and dummy shell are inserted into the mortar barrel. The length of the spacer piece and dummy shell are such that the top of the dummy shell projects a distance past the muzzle of the barrel. The spacer piece includes a firing pin mechanism including a firing pin and a triggering mechanism. A triggering pin projects from a top plate of the spacer piece and is movable from a projected position into a retracted position for triggering. The firing pin mechanism includes spring biassed rods which project out from the top plate of the spacer piece and are urged inwards by the dummy shell. The firing pin mechanism is biassed by a latch which is releaseable by an electromagnet.

Abstract: An ejection seat firing mechanism has a primary cartridge and a firing pin within a housing. A firing head is outside the housing coaxial with the primary cartridge and the firing pin, and a nut affixes the firing head to the firing pin thereby enclosing the housing. A first bore is formed through the flange of the housing and a second bore is formed in the nut spaced from the housing and aligned with the first bore in spaced parallel relation with the axis. A torquing shaft with an internally threaded axial coupling bore formed therein extends a determined distance into the torquing shaft. A spring is coaxially positioned around the torquing shaft and has a top end abutting the nut and a spaced opposite bottom end biasing the torquing shaft toward the flange. A bolt member extends through the first bore and is threadedly coupled with the torquing shaft via the coupling bore. The bolt provides a visual and sensory indication that the primary cartridge is installed and the firing head is torqued.

Abstract: The invention is an abrasive fluid cutting composition comprising a carrier fluid, and an abrasive. Preferably, the composition may also include a surface active agent. The invention also comprises a method for removing material from a substrate through application of the abrasive fluid of the invention comprising the steps of projecting the fluid composition onto the substrate. Reactive materials such as explosives, propellants, flammables, combustibles and the like may be cut using the composition of the invention.

Abstract: A resettable bore obstruction detector indicator is positioned on the muz end of a gun bore to indicate whether the gun bore is free from obstruction after a round has been loaded.

Abstract: An endothermic cooler (10) for electronic components (16) in, for example, a missile (12) includes an enclosure (14) having a thermally conductive coupling to the electronic component. A source of water in a first compartment (28) is segregated from salts in a second compartment (30). The salts are capable of providing an endothermic reaction when mixed in a water solution. The two compartments are segregated from one another by a membrane or conduit (32). The membrane is pierced by a spike (34-2 or 34-3) through an actuating mechanism (36) and the conduit is opened by a valve (34-4). Formation of the solution provides cooling for conduction of heat from the electronic component through a thermally conductive plate (24) and its fins (26).

Abstract: A system and process for neutralizing unexploded ordinances and clearing explosive infested areas such that maneuvers can be both readily and confidently continued without significant delay is disclosed. The system clears such unexploded ordnances infested areas by initially spraying the explosive infested area with a cryogenic liquid to supercool the unexploded ordinances and reduce an output voltage of a detonator of the unexploded ordinances thereby rendering the unexploded ordinances inert, gathering the now unexploded ordinances and submerging the inert unexploded ordinances in a tank containing the same or similar cryogenic liquid so that the unexploded ordinances are maintained in a supercooled and inert state to allow for disposal.

Abstract: Control and safety device for an externally powered automatic weapon include at least one rotor driven by a motor and have a stop cooperating with a locking part. The device has both a detent lever to control firing and a second lever subjected to the action of a rotating finger driven by the recoil of the weapon. The detent lever and the second lever are connected to the locking part by a system of slides and links which automatically stop the rotor by way of the locking part if ammunition should malfunction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device, for an automatic weapon with "floating" firing, including a rotating drum (2) driven by an external motor for driving a breech with a reciprocating motion.The safety device includes locking devices (14) for the rotating of the drum in each cycle, and control devices for retracting the locking devices when the weapon recoils, the control devices being fitted to act on the locking devices for a predetermined recoil travel distance, independently of the weapon recoil starting position.

Abstract: A self-defense device comprises a housing defining first and second fluid ejection orifices, at least a fluid reservoir, a fluid path from the reservoir to the orifice, a power source in electrical conducting relation with the fluid path for imparting an electrical charge to conductive fluid in the fluid path, and a mechanism for forcing fluid from the reservoir through the orifice for ejecting electrically charged continuous first and second fluid streams at a target.

Abstract: A system and process for neutralizing unexploded ordnances and clearing explosive infested areas such that maneuvers can be both readily and confidently continued without significant delay is disclosed. The system clears such unexploded ordnances infested areas by initially spraying the explosive infested area with a cryogenic liquid to neutralize the unexploded ordnances and reduce an output voltage of a detonator of the unexploded ordnances thereby rendering the unexploded ordnances inert, gathering the now unexploded ordnances and submerging the inert unexploded ordnances in a tank containing the same or similar cryogenic liquid so that the unexploded ordnances are maintained in a neutralized and inert state to allow for disposal.

Abstract: An apparatus is arranged to permit remote detonation of bombs and testing of such devices to include a tripod structure rotatably mounting a barrel assembly at its lower distal end utilizing remote actuating switching to permit remote detonation of an explosive device or device to be so tested by projecting a trajectory at the device to be tested.

Abstract: A high data rate over-the-horizon communications capability is provided been two or more platforms at rest or in motion, in the air or on the surface. An RF transmitter/receiver-optical fiber interface unit is launched from a launch platform and is supported via a deployed parachute or balloon to provide a bidirectional RF data link with the launch platform and a bidirectional optical data link over an optical fiber extending to an autonomous vehicle platform, such as a missile.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for cutting off the trunk of a tree by detonation of an explosive charge in contact with the trunk. The invention solves the problem of providing a safe and convenient way of cutting off the trunk of a tree which has fallen to an inclined position where it rests against another tree or against an electric overhead line. To the trunk there is, at the desired level above ground, attached a holder which carries an explosive charge and can from the ground be mounted on the trunk, whereupon the charge is detonated and the trunk section above the cut-off level severed from the section below. In this way the top section is either directly released from its support or can conveniently be so released.

Abstract: A collimator mounting assembly adapted for attachment to a missile launcher having a pivot member, called a traversing unit, at the apex of a tripod, that is adapted to replace a horizontally-oriented missile launching tube on the pivot member, and includes a mechanism for attaching the collimator mounting unit to the traversing unit, and adjustable tilt, azimuth, and elevation-controllable support plates for a tubular, horizontally-oriented collimator. This assembly permits the optical axis of the collimator placed atop the assembly to be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the missile launch tube, and permits referencing the collimator optical axis to the boresight of the missile launch tube.

Abstract: For installation in confined areas, an externally driven automatic weapon includes an alternatable dual cartridge supply system having two supply chutes are disposed parallel to an axis of symmetry traversing a cartridge supply rotor and a control roller for the breech block drive. The internal guide surfaces of both chutes are formed by a central guide disposed on the axis of symmetry, with the maximum width of this central guide corresponding to the chord length of a segment of the rotor which is provided with three, symmetrically disposed recesses, so that the introduction of cartridges into the rotor from the linear cartridge chute can take place, for example, directly from the top. The supply of cartridges to the rotor is always effected during any given period of time from only one chute.

Abstract: The invention relates to a locking device for the breech of an automatic weapon in which the longitudinal movement of the breech (4) is generated by a rotating drum (1) driven by an external motor.It comprises a locking wedge (6) that moves under the effect of a cam (10) rotated in synchronization with the drum, between a retracted position that allows the free passage of the breech, and a locking position in which the limit surfaces (7,8) working in conjunction on the breech and on the wedge lock the breech in the closed position.

Abstract: For a space saving and shock free breech block for an externally driven automatic weapon, a control roller 10 includes two camming discs which offset by 180.degree. with respect to one another in a symmetrical manner and arranged one behind the other, so as to continuously rotate in the same direction as the control roller. For the displacement of two locking bars disposed on opposite sides of the breech block 9 in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the breech block, respective slide members are arranged between the breech block guide path axis and the control roller 10. Each slide member grips around one of the camming discs by meane of a U-shaped pocket and transfers the transverse movement of the associated camming disc to an associated one of the locking bars for locking and unlocking breech block 9 in a form locking manner.

Abstract: The arrangement for emergency actuating of the firing pin of a machine cannon having an exterior drive includes a percussion hammer that is loaded by a coil spring for the direct loading of the firing pin mounted in the breech block via an intermediate rod member. When in a loaded position and therefore ready for an emergency actuation, the percussion hammer is secured in its operating position by means of an arresting spring which engages with a pair of diametrically opposite nose members into an abutments forming part of the breech housing.

Abstract: An assault weapon for penetrating enclosed targets includes means for fastening the weapon to the surface of the target while it is penetrated by non-explosive penetration means such as a thermal lance. Once the target is penetrated, offensive agents can be introduced. In one embodiment, the fastening means and penetration means can be combined in the form of a hollow bayonet which penetrates the surface of unarmored targets on impact.

Abstract: A rapid-stop device for the control roller of an automatic weapon wherein for a space-saving arrangement, a brake unit forming part of the rapid-stop device is disposed in a longitudinally axial bore of the control roller. Within its jacket, the brake unit includes brake shims and pretensioned spring elements 79. The brake unit jacket is mounted on a central mandrel, which is fixed to the cradle housing, so as not to be displaceable in the axial direction, and is connected with the control roller so that it can rotate with same and so that the control roller can move axially relative to the jacket. For a braking process required in the case of malfunction or during normal shut-down of the automatic weapon, a trigger catch lever or a rapid-stop catch lever disposed in the housing engages in the sole catch edge of a brake disc which is coaxial with the support mandrel.

Abstract: A submarine launched missile generates undesirable stress on the rocket nle hydraulic control system at the moment of ignition of the rocket motor. This stress can be minimized by operating the system so that the nozzle is near center and the hydraulic actuator valves are open at ignition.

Abstract: The above device consists mainly of a rigid explosion tank (10) with a closed rear end (11) and a front opening (12). Said tank is mounted in the direction of the slope on which the avalanche is to be triggered. It is connected to a fuel gas supply station (19) and to an oxygen-carrying gas supply station (20). These two stations are linked by pipes (17 and 18) to injection nozzles (16) situated inside the tank (10). An ignition device (29) is mounted in the bottom of the tank and can be operated by remote control by means of a triggering device (30). An advantage of the above device is that the explosion is exponentially propagated inside the rigid explosion tank and causes a powerful high-velocity blast to be expelled from the latter.

Abstract: A highly selective, sensitive, fast detection system and method are disclosed for detecting vapors of specific compounds in air. Vapors emanating from compounds such as explosives, or stripped from surfaces using heat and suction from a hand-held sample gun, are collected on surfaces coated with gas chromatograph (GC) material which trap explosives vapors but repel nitric oxide, then are desorbed and concentrated in one or more cold spot concentrators. A high speed gas chromatograph (GC) separates the vapors, after which specific vapors are decomposed in two pyrolyzers arranged in parallel and the resulting nitric oxide is detected. A low temperature pyrolyzer with silver produces NO from nitramines or nitrite esters; a high temperature pyrolyzer decomposes all explosives vapors to permit detection of the remaining explosives. Also disclosed is a series arrangement of pyrolyzers and gas chromatographs and an NO detector to time-shift detection of certain vapors and facilitate very fast GC analyses.

Abstract: An electrically controllable pyrofuze pin device for ordnance device actiion which functionally replaces the mechanical barrier and arming wire or other rigid and removable means used to provide ordnance device activation. The device includes a pyrofuze pin, a connecting ignitor transfer charge, and ignitor, and electrical terminals to provide power from an external power supply, and a weatherproof housing. When electrically activated the pyrofuze pin is reduced to molten by-products which functionally eliminate the mechanical barrier and permits the activation of the ordnance device.

Abstract: A camouflage and deception arrangement, which is especially adapted for practice purposes, and which incorporates a hollow member for the formation of a smoke screen. The hollow member is equipped with collapsible sidewalls intermediate a base plate and a cover plate thereof, and with at least one hollow plate provided with apertures for the swirling or turbulent movement of floating or suspended materials, and wherein the hollow plate is connected to a fluid source. Pursuant to the foregoing, there is contemplated the provision of a camouflage and deception simulator in the shape of a visually and sensorally most possibly permeable, collapsible casing which is inflatable into a geometrically specified hollow member, in which materials of specified sensoric attitude are maintained through a constant swirling or turbulence in a localized and over periods of time-defined, controlled suspended or floating condition.

Abstract: A highly selective, sensitive, fast detection system and method are disclosed for detecting vapors of specific compounds in air. Vapors emanating from compounds such as explosives, or stripped from surfaces using heat and suction from a hand-held sample gun, are collected on surfaces coated with gas chromatograph (GC) material which trap explosives vapors but repel nitric oxide, then are desorbed and concentrated in one or more cold spot concentrators. A high speed gas chromatograph (GC) separates the vapors, after which specific vapors are decomposed in two pyrolyzers arranged in parallel and the resulting nitric oxide is detected. A low temperature pyrolyzer with silver produces NO from nitramines or nitrite esters; a high temperature pyrolyzer decomposes all explosives vapors to permit detection of the remaining explosives. Also disclosed is a series arrangement of pyrolyzers and gas chromatographs and an NO detector to time-shift detection of certain vapors and facilitate very fast GC analyses.

Abstract: A highly selective, sensitive, fast detection system and method are disclosed for detecting vapors of specific compounds in air. Vapors emanating from compounds such as explosives, or stripped from surfaces using heat and suction from a hand-held sample gun, are collected on surfaces coated with gas chromatograph (GC) material which trap explosives vapors but repel nitric oxide, then are desorbed and concentrated in one or more cold spot concentrators. A high speed gas chromatrograph (GC) separates the vapors, after which specific vapors are decomposed in two pyrolyzers arranged in parallel and the resulting nitric oxide is detected. A low temperature pyrolyzer with silver produces NO from nitramines or nitrite esters; a high temperature pyrolyzer decomposes all explosives vapors to permit detection of the remaining explosives. Also disclosed is a series arrangement of pyrolyzers and gas chromatographs and an NO detector to time-shift detection of certain vapors and facilitate very fast GC analyses.