Abstract: A squib valve which has an inlet port associated with a pressurized fluid source, an outlet port, flow initiation apparatus for initiating a flow of the pressurized fluid between the inlet port and the outlet port, apparatus for activating the flow initiation apparatus, and flow control apparatus for permitting an increase in the flow at no more than a predetermined maximum rate of increase such that a maximum volumetric flow via the outlet port is reached only after a predetermined minimum period of time has elapsed, thereby reducing the occurrence and magnitude of shock and hammering downstream of the outlet port that would be provided by an uncontrolled outflow of the pressurized fluid.