STATIONARY SELF-DESTRUCT FUZE MECHANISM

A fuze mechanism for a submuntion includes an activation mechanism having a container filled with an activation fluid and an ampoule breaker to break the container upon deployment of the munition, a delay mechanism including a spring-loaded self-destruct firing pin to initiate a secondary detonator in close proximity to a primary detonator, and an interlock unit supported by the ampoule breaker that locks the self-destruct firing pin away from the secondary detonator. The ampoule breaker includes a piston and a timing ball, which accesses the activation liquid. The action of the activation liquid on the timing ball over time causes the timing ball to erode until it is forced into the container by the spring-loaded piston. The movement of the piston frees the interlock unit, allowing the spring-loaded self-destruct firing pin to move under force and impact or initiate the secondary detonator. Initiation of the secondary detonator destroys the primary detonator and, depending upon slide location, either sterilizes or destroys the submunition. The activation mechanism, delay mechanism and interlock unit are housed in a stationary self destruct slide housing for safe and reliable use of the fuze mechanism.