Previous N2and H2electronic transition lasers have been limited to short pulse durations (10−9–10−7sec). Using an electron‐beam‐stabilized discharge in argon, nitrogen (or hydrogen), and hydrogen fluoride mixtures, we have observed repetitive superfluorescent pulses lasting 5–20 &mgr;sec. Optical‐cavity measurements verify that optical gain is present throughout the pulse duration at wavelengths in the nitrogen first‐ and second‐positive band systems and in a hydrogen near‐infrared band system. It is believed that HF serves to maintain a population inversion for a longer period of time by providing preferential collisional deactivation of the lower laser levels.