Abstract: A shock absorbing locking disconnect latch comprises a lever having a generally upwardly sloping front surface, a detent for positively arresting the longitudinal travel of a slide member during extension, and at least one vertical slot to enable flexing of the disconnect latch for removal or retraction of the slide member from a longitudinal channel. The front sloping surface leading to the detent allows the lever to flex until the detent has been reached and engaged by a guide post in the longitudinal channel which engages the detent and locks the slide member in a working position preventing unintentional retraction of the slide member or extension of the slide member. When the longitudinal channel is stopped by the detent of the disconnect latch, the shock energy is absorbed using the slot by deflection of the disconnect latch.