An exemplary self-destruct fuze delay for a submunition includes a
container filled with an activation fluid, a spring-loaded ampoule
breaker to break the container upon deployment of the munition, a
spring-loaded self-destruct firing pin to initiate a secondary detonator
in close proximity to a primary detonator, and an interlock ball
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 ball, 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 the submunition, or destroys the entire submunition.