Self-destruct mechanism

"I didn't hit it that hard. Must've had a self-destruct."

- Han Solo, after witnessing a Viper probe droid self-destruct

A self-destruct mechanism was a defensive system installed in some crafts that allowed to destroy itself in an attempt to protect information it's carrying. This was installed in Imperial probe droids, which allowed them to self-destruct if confronted after they accomplished their tasks.

Appearances

 * Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back
 * Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back