Abstract: An exemplary self-destruct fuze delay for a submuntion includes an ampoule filled with an activation fluid, a spring-loaded pin to break the ampoule upon deployment of the munition, and a wick to collect and retain the activation liquid in contact with a spring loaded restraining link having an embedded firing pin. The activation liquid contacts the restraining link, preferably via the wick. The action of the activation liquid on the restraining link over time causes the link to fail at the predetermined location, allowing a severed portion with the embedded firing pin to move under force (e.g., spring, gas) and impact or initiate a secondary detonator. The secondary detonator is in close proximity to a primary detonator typically used to initiate a main charge of the submunition. Initiation of the secondary detonator destroys the primary detonator and, depending upon slide location, either sterilizes the submunition, or destroys the entire submunition.

Abstract: An extractor and method for safely releasing an explosive and liner from a munition is disclosed. An exemplary extractor includes a support device connected to the casing of the munition and adapted to stabilize the munition as the explosive is released from the dome end of the munition casing and a fluid port adjacent the dome end of the casing and adapted to introduce a high pressure fluid through the dome end to the explosive to separate and release the explosive from the dome end. An exemplary method for releasing an explosive and liner from a dome end of a munition casing includes inserting a fluid port into a dome end of the casing and introducing a fluid through the fluid port to the explosive to release and separate the explosive from the dome end and to shear the mechanical coupling between the liner and the casing.