Vapor Wake® Body Worn Explosives

Vapor Wake®

Vapor Wake canine consistently and effectively do what others cannot: follow an explosive target to its source in real time, while the target is in motion. Additionally, Vapor Wake dogs have been socially and environmentally raised to work in high-flow pedestrian areas. Because of this, they can accurately screen hundreds of people passing through an entry point in a nonintrusive way.

Key Points

  • Proven and patented canine technology through Auburn University.
  • Capable of detecting ”moving” odor hidden explosive on a person.
  • Can screen large crowds without impeding traffic flow.
  • Effective and non-invasive security service.
  • Affordable and friendly to the fan experience.
  • Available for immediate deployment.

Canine Security Evolved

Vapor Wake® detection is the method and system for detecting explosives and other illicit substances. Vapor Wake working dogs are specifically trained to detect body worn explosives on a moving target. Unlike traditional EDD teams, trained to view static objects or people as their “productive area”, Vapor Wake dogs are obedient to the odor itself.

This is what enables a Vapor Wake canine to consistently and effectively do what others cannot: follow an explosive target to its source in real time, while the target is in motion. Additionally, Vapor Wake dogs have been socially and environmentally raised to work in high-flow pedestrian areas. Because of this, they can accurately screen hundreds of people passing through an entry point in a nonintrusive way.

How Does Vapor Wake® Work?

Scent particles are carried behind a person in a “thermal plume”, produced by the body’s natural heat. A person’s natural thermal plume goes upwards when a person is standing still, but as soon as they begin moving, the thermal plume extends behind them much like the wake behind a boat in the water (thus the name, “Vapor Wake”). Vapor Wake K9 Detection Teams will work a crowd by sampling the cross-section of people moving through a crowd. As soon as a Vapor Wake dog detects explosive odor, it will follow the source of the odor: a person, a bag left behind, something carried inside and then hidden –a Vapor Wake dog will always follow to the actual source of the threat.


8 Major Differences Between Traditional Bomb Dogs and Vapor Wake® Dogs

By Laura Smoots, May 27, 2016, Courtesy of VWK9

“My dog can do that.”

We hear that statement many times during Vapor Wake® demonstrations to K9 industry folks, and we understand that there’s a bit of confusion. We hope to clear that up, and describe the differences between traditional, Explosive Detection Dogs (EDDS) or bomb dogs and AMK9’s patented and NCS4 lab-tested Vapor Wake® Canines.

AMK9 understands the EDD business, and we know that traditional bomb dogs are vital to safety around the world. EDDs sniff for statically-placed bombs at a location or on a person, and are trained to sniff stationary objects one-by-one. This deployment is necessary for securing a location, or searching a vehicle at a checkpoint, and AMK9 uses traditional EDDs all over the world to do just that. Vapor Wake® Canines are used in a different application; usually in high-pedestrian flow areas, like the entrance to a concert or game, the airport security line, or on the crowded streets of New York City. Both EDDs and Vapor Wake® Canines are great resources in security, but each have a different application.

Here are 8 major differences between traditional bomb dogs and Vapor Wake® Canines:

  1. Vapor Wake® Dogs are Obedient to Odor

    EDDs are trained to view static objects as their “productive area”; Vapor Wake® dogs are obedient to the odor itself. A Vapor Wake® dog is trained to continuously sample the air for an explosive target, then follow it to its source in real time, while the target is in motion.

  2. Vapor Wake® Dogs Lead the Search

    Traditional EDDs are directed to sniff stationary objects. A Vapor Wake® dog leads the handler; eliminating handler error.

  3. Vapor Wake® Dogs Undergo up to 15 Months of Training

    EDDs are fully-trained in up to 2 months; Vapor Wake dogs are fully-trained in up to 15 months, using a scientific and patented training process. That’s a big difference!

  4. Vapor Wake® Dogs Work with Their Nose Up

    Traditional EDDs work with their nose in a down position; Vapor Wake® dogs work with their nose up – sniffing the plumes of air around a person or around a crowd of people.

  5. Vapor Wake® Dogs Screen Hundreds of People at One Time

    EDDs that are additionally trained to see people as their productive area, must screen people one-by-one, impeding the pedestrian flow into an event or venue. Vapor Wake® dogs non-intrusively screen hundreds of people while they pass through an entry point, by sampling the heat plumes left behind in their wake.

  6. Vapor Wake® Dogs are the only Patented Technology in Canine Security

    Vapor Wake® dogs are trained using a patented, training method. This technology was developed at Auburn University’s Canine Performance Science’s program, and includes nearly a decade of research and development.

  7. Vapor Wake® Dogs Can Perform Traditional Bomb Detection Searches

    We’ve already established that Vapor Wake® Dogs are primarily trained to sniff explosive materials in the air, left behind in the wake of a moving object or person. These elite dogs are also able to perform traditional bomb detection searches. A Vapor Wake® dog handler uses a harness on the Vapor Wake® Dog as a trigger to sample the air, but can easily switch the dog’s collar to signal the dog to begin conducting stationary, bomb detection searches. A Vapor Wake® dog is trained to know the difference and is certified to perform both. How cool is that!

  8. Vapor Wake® Dogs are the #1 Choice for Body-Worn Explosives Detection by Major Security Agencies

    Vapor Wake® Dogs are used by many major security agencies today: NYPD Counter Terrorism Unit, Chicago PD, LAPD, AMTRAK, Major International Airport security, Major Sporting organizations, Mega Churches, Concert Security Vendors, and many more.