A device for the restraint and release of a deployable body mounted on a support structure, the device being operable between a stowed condition and a released condition, and having: a pair of subassemblies, each for being attached to either the deployable body or the support structure, these subassemblies having mating surfaces which interlock with one another in the stowed condition to substantially prevent lateral movement of the deployable body relative to the support structure; a releasable tensioned element which is connected to both of the subassemblies, exerting a compressive pre-load action on the said subassemblies that keep them together; a force measurement system that allows monitoring the cited compressive pre-load action applied; a releasing device for releasing the cited pre-load, allowing the free separation of the subassemblies; further being provided with a tensioning mechanism embedded in the device such that it applies a substantially pure-tension pre-load to the releasable tensioned element.