Self-destruct mechanism
![]() | ![]() |
- "I didn't hit it that hard. Must've had a self-destruct."
- ―Han Solo, after witnessing a Viperprobe droid self-destruct[1]

IG-11 initiated his self-destruct mechanism to save Grogu.
Aself-destruct mechanism was a defensive system installed or embedded in some craft, such asstarfighters,starships (likeImperial Star Destroyers), or simplyprobe droids, that allowed it to destroy itself in certain circumstances akin to being under threat of capture or an attempt to protect information it was carrying. This was installed inImperialprobe droids, which allowed them to self-destruct if confronted after they accomplished their tasks.[1]
During theClone Wars, theInfiltrator demolition droids are both thedemolition droids and have the explosion charges which means there arebombers of theConfederacy of Independent Systems set themselves to self-destruct toblow up thecentral power distribution grid onCoruscant goes themandatory blackout, even to stop the vote for thebill to de-regulate banking conglomerates.[2]
In case theirStar Destroyer were taken over by enemies,Imperial officers weretaught three methods of self-destruct. The "automatic self-destruct" could only be set by combining the codes given to the three topofficers on board. It gave the longest time to detonation, allowing moretroops to reach theescape pods in time. However, if the ship had been thoroughly infiltrated by enemy fighters, there was no guarantee that the three top officers would all be alive to use their codes, and the extra time to detonation would also give the invaders a greater chance to escape. The "core engine method" required to have access to the ship'sreactor, which could prove difficult during intra-ship combat. The "captain's-word method" required that the captain signal for all personnel to abandon ship before sealing himself or herself in thebridge, providing cover for escape pods, and thenpiloting the vessel into the nearestplanet,star, or othergravitational singularity.[3]
Grysks preferred to use self-destruct mechanisms when the enemy could capture the ship and study it, and of course, know what species Grysk took control of. WhenGrand AdmiralThrawn andAdmiralAr'alani were fighting against theGrysk Hegemony, specifically with aGrysk commander, the Grysk destroyed his twowarships before theSteadfast and the ImperialTIE defenders could capture the ship.[4]Jixtus's fleet, afleet part of the Grysk military, self-destructed following theKilji war cruiserWhetstone'sattack on itsflagship, which also self-destructed.[5]
TheE-XD-series infiltrator droids have the self-destruct mechanisms that is called the "proton warhead" one isEXD-9 that it blew upImperial I-class Star Destroyer.[6]
This article is astub about technology. You can help Wookieepedia byexpanding it. |
|---|
Appearances[]
Non-canon appearances[]
Sources[]
Imperial probe droid in theEncyclopedia(original site is defunct)- Star Wars Helmet Collection: General GrievousDatabank A-Z: Master Chief Bric–C-3PO
- Star Wars Helmet Collection: AT-AT PilotWeapons & Uniforms: Imperial Droids
- Star Wars Helmet Collection: SnowtrooperHighlights of the Saga: The Empire Strikes Back!
- Star Wars Helmet Collection: B-wing PilotDatabank A-Z: Vibroblades–Cikatro Vizago
- Star Wars Encyclopedia of Starfighters and Other Vehicles
- The Mandalorian: Allies & Enemies(Indirect mention only)
- "C-3PO" —Star Wars Encyclopedia
- Star Wars: The Mandalorian: Guide to Season One
- Star Wars 100 Objects
- Star Wars Encyclopedia: The Comprehensive Guide to the Star Wars Galaxy
IG-11 in theDatabank(backup link)(Indirect mention only)
Imperial Probe Droid in theDatabank(backup link)
Notes and references[]
- Related categories:
- Self-destruct systems
- Related Categories:
- Self-destruct systems















