Abstract: A fire and explosion suppression system which is operative for suppressing an explosion within 100 milliseconds of the existence of a high energy ignition and within 200 milliseconds of the existence of a low energy ignition. Acutation circuitry for this system is also disclosed and claimed and includes circuitry operative in two different modes having different sensitivities and response and well as circuitry for sensing the failure of suppression elements to operate and for actuation of additional suppression elements in response to this sensed failure.

Abstract: A fire and explosion suppression system which is operative for suppressing an explosion within 100 milliseconds of the existence of a high energy ignition and within 200 milliseconds of the existence of a low energy ignition. Actuation circuitry for this system is also disclosed and claimed and includes circuitry operative in two different modes having different sensitivities and response as well as circuitry for sensing the failure of suppression elements to operate and for actuation of additional suppression elements in response to this sensed failure.

Abstract: A fire and explosion suppression system which is operative for suppressing an explosion within 100 milliseconds of the existence of a high energy ignition and within 200 milliseconds of the existence of a low energy ignition. Respective output signals from a detector of ultraviolet radiation and a detector of infrared radiation are fed to a logical AND circuit to provide a third output signal indicative of simultaneous receipt of ultraviolet and infrared radiations. Actuation apparatus responsive to the third output signal then actuates extinguishing agent distribution apparatus for discharging an extinguishing agent into the volume to be protected, such as the troop compartment and/or the engine compartment of an armored vehicle.

Abstract: Suppression apparatus comprises a plurality of pressurized containers of fire extinguishing material arranged in the troop and/or engine compartment of an armored vehicle, the containers having pressure sensors which provide output indications of their operability and their discharge. In rapid response to an alarm indication and to the output indications, logic circuitry initially selects at least one container indicated to be operable, actuates this container to discharge its extinguishing material and, in the absence of an ouput indication of its discharge, actuates an additional container for discharge of extinguishing material therefrom.

Abstract: Fire and explosion detection apparatus comprises an ultra violet detector providing a first output signal in response to receipt of ultra violet radiation and an infra red detector providing a second output signal in response to receipt of infra red radiation. A logical AND circuit, in response to simultaneously occurring first and second output signals, provides a third output signal indicative of simultaneous receipt of ultra violet and infra red radiation.