View source for Archive:Halo Waypoint/2009 to 2014/Universe/Technology

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{{Verbatim}}
==Reach: Implements of War==
{{Main|Reach: Implements of War}}
{{Article quote|Weapons. vehicles and other material utilized during the battle for Reach.}}

The UNSC Army has outfitted its soldiers with the best equipment possible, and when that isn't available deep behind enemy lines, they can pry the Covenant's arsenal from the aliens' cold, dead hands.

*'''Video link''': [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wn2AJbib9RY '''Reach: Implements of War''']

==The Covenant on Reach==
{{Main|The Covenant on Reach}}
{{Article quote|A look at the conglomerate of alien species laying siege to the planet of Reach.}}

The Covenant is a broad and expansive empire of races, governed by a singular military goal: the recovery of Forerunner artifacts. Although the arrival of the Covenant at a human planet - and the bloodbath that always followed - has become almost routine to mankind, the aliens' discovery of Reach is both shocking and ominous. Reach, the UNSC's key military stronghold, is the last line of defense against the Covenant's merciless march of destruction towards humanity's homeworld: Earth.

*'''Video link''': [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgUvmTmwuZE '''The Covenant On Reach''']

==Prototype==
{| class="wikitable" style="width:55%"
|-
! [[Mark I ADS|PROTOTYPE]]
|-
| {{Article quote|The highly-classified result of duel projects HRUNTING and YGGDRASIL.}}

Under the direction of [[Vice Admiral]] [[Danforth Whitcomb]], the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] created a number of classified codename projects during the early-to-mid 26th century, including the more publicly-known [[SPARTAN-II program|SPARTAN-II]] and [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|MJOLNIR]] programs. Another such program—known simultaneously as [[Project HRUNTING|HRUNTING]] and [[Project YGGDRASIL|YGGDRASIL]]—was a nuclear-powered armor defense system which could be operated by a standard [[UNSC Marine Corps|UNSC Marine]].

Unlike the more compact armor variant of MJOLNIR, HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL’s results would not require extensive and risky biological augmentations for the operator and, as a result, would be much more expensive to design and manufacture. Very few have reported seeing this technology in the field since it remained in a somewhat secretive state well into [[Human-Covenant War|the war]] with the [[Covenant]]—at least one suit is known to have [[Algolis Invasion|been deployed]] in-combat before reportedly being scuppered by ONI as a security precaution.

HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL’s mechanical defense systems and weaponry capabilities are expansive—far outstripping MJOLNIR in almost every way save for bio-ergonomic mobility and size. Although its full technical specifications were never made public, reports have indicated the following components were equipped:

*HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark I Prototype Exoskeleton based on [[titanium]] alloy plating and nanocomposite titanium microfiber
*[[Energy shielding|Dynamic Local Dissipative Shield Technology]]
*[[T261 Lucifer]] AMGG (Arm-Mounted Gatling Gun) with 20mm high-explosive rounds, alternate-hand grip stabilizer
*[[Type 18 Magnetic/Bayonet-style Claymore|Type-18 Magnetic/Bayonet-style Claymore]] which can be primed, attached, or otherwise impaled into nonmagnetic surfaces
*[[Motion scanner|Motion Sensor]] with 1400m+ range (within map mode) across flat surfaces with minimal obstruction
*2 x Ventral VTOL Stabilizers / 2 x Dorsal VTOL Stabilizer / 4 x Afterburner Thrusters
*[[LAU-1810/SGM-151 missile launcher|LAU-181D/SGM-151]] Shoulder-mounted, self-guided high-explosive missiles
*[[M149 Magellan]] RCL–armor mounted recoilless rifle with 105mm high-explosive ordnance

Another rumored component was a 300 MT lead-tampered nuclear fission self-destruct sequence (in compliance with [[Cole Protocol]] and [[WINTER CONTINGENCY (protocol)|Winter Contingencies]]) which would re-use the [[Nuclear fusion|fusion components]] of the suit’s power system and begin with a staggered countdown and could only be completed by delivery of a voice command code word—the exact word never having been publicly revealed. This method hints strongly at a kamikaze-style purpose rather than simple security. Since this is illegal under several intact conventions, its official status remains “security.”{{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.xbox.com/en-US/Universe/detail/prototype/b053d1dc-912b-401b-bb9e-2909d1028c31|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Prototype|D=05|M=09|Y=2012|LocalArchive=Archive:Halo Waypoint/2009 to 2014/Universe/Technology#Prototype}}

<gallery>
File:Old HW Prototype 1.png|Heavy Weapons
File:Old HW Prototype 2.png|Prototype
File:HUD - Prototype.png|Advanced HUD
File:Old HW Prototype 3.png|HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL
File:Old HW Prototype 4.png|Domination
File:Old HW Prototype 5.png|Face off
</gallery>
|-
|<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''Citation:'''<div class="mw-collapsible-content"><code><nowiki>{{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.xbox.com/en-US/Universe/detail/prototype/b053d1dc-912b-401b-bb9e-2909d1028c31|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Prototype|D=05|M=09|Y=2012|LocalArchive=Archive:Halo Waypoint/2009 to 2014/Universe/Technology#Prototype}}</nowiki></code></div></div>
|}

==VISR==
{| class="wikitable" style="width:55%"
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! [[Visual Intelligence System, Reconnaissance|VISR]]
|-
| {{Article quote|VISUAL RECONNAISSANCE TECHNOLOGY FOR FIELD OPERATIONS.}}

When [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|Project: MJOLNIR]] launched, [[Office of Naval Intelligence|ONI]] was forced to mitigate the substantial losses it incurred during the development and real-world production of its armor technology. Because of MJOLNIR’s embedded [[Nuclear fusion|fusion reactors]], each suit of armor costs significantly more than any other comparative item within the ONI's Special Operations budget—estimated to be somewhere near the cost of a [[UNSC starship|standard warship]].

For this reason, the UNSC was committed to the widespread application of a variety of individual technologies derived directly from MJOLNIR, specifically for functional use within the military. The [[Visual Intelligence System, Reconnaissance|Visual Intelligence System Reconnaissance Class]], or VISR, is one of these, now used by a wide spectrum of [[UNSC Special Forces|Special Operations]] personnel. Unlike the variant used by [[SPARTAN-II program|SPARTAN-II]] super-soldiers, there is no [[neural interface]] prerequisite to the VISR. Despite this, it operates in a very similar manner to the [[heads-up display]] incorporated into the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V|Mark V]] and [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI|Mark VI]] suites of MJOLNIR software.

At its core, VISR is a standard HUD that offers real-time tactical information about the wearer's health, ammunition count, and mission objectives. In addition to this, VISR can store a considerable amount of data for later review, including custom mission intel, navigational layouts, and audio files to assist the user operating behind enemy lines. The most obvious alteration to the existing MJOLNIR version, however, is the ability to view in low-light mode, highlighting allies, enemies, and points of interest with a brightly lit wire silhouette.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/Universe/Detail/visr/46e787cc-207e-4590-9553-51efa66f425d|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=VISR|D=18|M=05|Y=2012|LocalArchive=Archive:Halo Waypoint/2009 to 2014/Universe/Technology#VISR}}

<gallery>
File:Old HW VISR 1.png|Enemies - Enemies outlined in Red.
File:H3ODST_Campaign_1stPersonVISR02.jpg|Allies - Allies outlined in Green.
File:Old HW VISR 2.png|[[Smart-linking|Smart-linked]] sight - Smart-lined sight in VISR.
</gallery>
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|<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''Citation:'''<div class="mw-collapsible-content"><code><nowiki>{{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/Universe/Detail/visr/46e787cc-207e-4590-9553-51efa66f425d|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=VISR|D=18|M=05|Y=2012|LocalArchive=Archive:Halo Waypoint/2009 to 2014/Universe/Technology#VISR}}</nowiki></code></div></div>
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==Space Tether==
{| class="wikitable" style="width:55%"
|-
! [[Space elevator|SPACE TETHER]]
|-
| {{Article quote|The mechanics and purpose of the orbital [[space elevator]]}}

Over two and a half centuries before the war with the [[Covenant]], [[human]]kind began construction on the [[Earth]]'s first orbital [[space elevator]] at the coastal city of [[New Mombasa]]. It was the first of six such elevators spread across the planet's surface. The orbital space elevator eventually became a common, affordable means of extra-atmospheric conveyance, allowing the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] and private corporate entities the ability to ferry large amounts of material and personnel into space at comparatively low costs.

Commonly referred to as "space tethers," the orbital space elevators vary in size and shape, but they are all typically composed of the same raw material. Meshed together as a complex composite of intertwining nano-fibers, these ingredients form a series of massive cords and rings several hundred meters wide. They bind to a grounded set of anchors larger than most buildings which hold the elevator’s structure in place while the Earth spins on its axis. The zenith of the elevator, commonly known as the "orbital" or "terminus," is then pulled taut by the Earth's rotational inertia, sliding into geosynchronous orbit thousands of kilometers above the planet.

While Earth has six space elevators, many planets found within the [[Outer Colonies]] have more since there is a heavy human reliance on the production and shipment of agricultural and mineral goods from remote worlds. Prior to the Covenant's invasion, the farming colony of [[Harvest]], for example, had seven elevators, while some mineral-rich worlds had as many as nine.

Of Earth's six elevators, only four remained intact at the end of the [[2552]] CE. On October 20, 2552, an incident known as the [[New Mombasa Slipspace Event]] severed the city's space elevator, spreading its shattered remnants across East [[Africa]]. Only weeks later, a separate event—in [[Havana]], [[Cuba]] on November 3, 2552—resulted in the destruction of what was known as the [[Centennial Orbital Elevator]].{{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/theuniverse/locations/gallery/space-tether/e9b2f438-9b5b-477e-8e52-d4e6801e9d5b|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Space Tether|D=07|M=10|Y=2012|LocalArchive=Archive:Halo Waypoint/2009 to 2014/Universe/Technology#Space Tether}}

<gallery>
File:Old HW ST 1.png|Foundation - Reinforced mount holds the tether securely
File:Space tether.png|Tether - The tether stretches thousands of kilometers
File:Old HW ST 2.png|Remains - New Mombasa's tether strewn across the savanna
File:Old HW ST 3.png|Orbital - An empty bay within an orbital station
File:Old HW ST 4.png|View - High above Quito, Ecuador
File:Old HW ST 5.png|Communications - A series of consoles monitor the tether
</gallery>
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|<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''Citation:'''<div class="mw-collapsible-content"><code><nowiki>{{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/theuniverse/locations/gallery/space-tether/e9b2f438-9b5b-477e-8e52-d4e6801e9d5b|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Space Tether|D=07|M=10|Y=2012|LocalArchive=Archive:Halo Waypoint/2009 to 2014/Universe/Technology#Space Tether}}</nowiki></code></div></div>
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==Modular Dispersal Technology==
{| class="wikitable" style="width:55%"
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! [[Modular Dispersal Technology|MODULAR DISPERSAL TECHNOLOGY]]
|-
| {{Article quote|An ancient technology repurposed.}}

Unlike [[human]]ity, whose technological breakthroughs were achieved through exploration and iteration, the [[San'Shyuum|Prophets]] and [[Sangheili|Elites]] leveraged found [[Forerunner]] artifacts for many of their own advances. Reverse engineering these relics allowed the [[Covenant]] to progress in a variety of areas from general materiel technology to extremely precise [[Slipstream space]] manipulation. But on occasion, these artificial technical advancements would reveal the Covenant’s misunderstanding and general ignorance of the Forerunners’ intended use of those relics found by the Covenant.

One prominent example of this has been catalogued by the UNSC as “MDT” or [[Modular Dispersal Technology]]—the large-scale, rapid disassembly of [[Covenant starship]]s while in a vacuum and, in some situations, during the course of a battle. When vessels were significantly damaged or suffering from atmospheric breaches, rather than immediately return the craft to a shipyard or repair center, the Covenant could simply detach noncritical sections and continue to operate—some ships even retaining the capacity to enter Slipspace.

Due to the modular architecture of Covenant ships, a damaged vessel could fully function even after scuttling large portions of its hull and general mass. Upon returning to a refitting station, the ship could then be reconstituted and redeployed with minimal loss. This functionality is easily reconciled with the Covenant’s broader design rationale, in that they commonly prefer the use of redundant, simultaneous components, rather than a centralized system for their ships.

Although the Forerunners may have used this technology for this purpose from time to time, it has been determined that the origin of MDT was the Forerunner [[Forerunner-Flood war|war with]] the [[Flood]] and that MDT appears to have a different primary purpose for the Forerunners. When the shield and hull of a warship were breached by the implacable parasite, the Forerunners would initiate this measure to disable and scuttle compromised sections of their ships during the battle. The vacuum would then claim whatever Flood remained in the inert portions, providing a somewhat pyrrhic victory against the parasite’s overwhelming dominance.

Only a handful of instances have been recorded in which the Covenant have effectively used this technology in naval combat—and even those remained clouded in mystery.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/related/gallery/modular-dispersal-technology/e10ac7c3-932c-4b3a-91e5-3bf79c179b68|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Modular Dispersal Technology|D=14|M=03|Y=2012|LocalArchive=Archive:Halo Waypoint/2009 to 2014/Universe/Technology#Modular Dispersal Technology}}

<gallery>
File:Old HW MDT 1.png|Decision - The commander decides to scuttle the aft section
File:1771440-gallery.png|Concussive Force - Explosions sever the connection to the ship
File:1771441-gallery.png|Slipspace - Some sections remain capable of Slipspace
File:MDT.png|Design - Modular Dispersal Technology conceptualized
</gallery>
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|<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''Citation:'''<div class="mw-collapsible-content"><code><nowiki>{{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/related/gallery/modular-dispersal-technology/e10ac7c3-932c-4b3a-91e5-3bf79c179b68|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Modular Dispersal Technology|D=14|M=03|Y=2012|LocalArchive=Archive:Halo Waypoint/2009 to 2014/Universe/Technology#Modular Dispersal Technology}}</nowiki></code></div></div>
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==Booster Frame==
{| class="wikitable" style="width:55%"
|-
! [[OF92 Booster Frame|BOOSTER FRAME]]
|-
| {{Article quote|Open Frame 92 / Extra-Vehicular Activity}}

Open Frame 92 / Extra-Vehicular Activity

[[Maneuver drive|Propulsion]]:
*2 x [[Fusion drive|Nuclear Fusion Primary]]
*2 x Nuclear Fusion Secondary
*6 x Recursive Thrusters
Arms:
*[[M92 Principle Gauss Cannon]]
*2 x [[80mm ball-mounted rotary cannon|80mm Ball-Mounted Rotary Cannons]]
*12 x [[Multiple Independently Targeted Vehicle Pod|MITV Pods]]
*[[M41 Extended Light Anti-Aircraft Gun|M41 ELAAGat]] - Extended Light Anti-Aircraft Gun firing gas-jacketed armor piercing depleted uranium rounds.*

Defensive Systems:
*[[Energy shielding|Shield Technology]] - REDACTED
*Chaff/Plasma Countermeasures

<nowiki>*</nowiki>The pressurized atmospheric contents of the shells ensure an explosive percussion in a vacuum or other challenging environment.

The Booster Frame is a heavily-armed, open-frame incursive vehicle specifically intended for deep space use and close-quarters environments. Its weapon loadout is designed primarily for "Distrupt/Overwhelm/Adapt" - a technique employed to deal with the twin problems of field-effect shielding and armor plating. When used in concert, the combination of EMP, explosive and projectile force can make surgical incisions in large-scale, otherwise impenetrable defenses.

There are only two officially recorded missions where the Booster Frame's use has been logged.

As evidenced by its open cockpit design, it was developed alongside the MJOLNIR project and in tandem with the research done on [[EVA-class Mjolnir|EVA technology]] or "Extra-vehicular Activity" following the [[Summa Deep Space Incident]]. It was specifically engineered for use by augmented SPARTAN-II units and is only usefully operable in zero/low-G and zero/low-atmosphere environments. It has no aerodynamic properties beyond its basic mass and thrust quotient. Booster Frames are deployed directly into vacuum through a specialized hydraulic winch system which extends from a ventral bay on a select number of modified UNSC warships and undisclosed [[Sahara-class heavy prowler|ONI special service vehicles]].

OF92/EVA was developed by the Office of Naval Intelligence in conjunction with [[Naval Special Warfare Command|Naval Special Operations]] and the [[University of Seongnam]]. As with many ONI projects, both the analysis and eventual materiel response were heavily classified. Because their overall cost clashes with their expendable nature, ONI and the UNSC have no plans for widespread application or production. In fact, it is technically classified by the [[Naval Logistical Operations Command|Naval shipping and logistics organization]] as Aircraft Ammunition rather than Aircraft.{{Ref/Generic|Id=Waypoint|[[Halo Waypoint]] {{C|[[Xbox 360]] app-only}}|Booster Frame|LocalArchive=Archive:Halo_Waypoint/2009_to_2014/Universe/Technology#Booster Frame}}

<gallery>
File:Old HW Booster frame.png|Deployment - Lowered from the ship's undercarriage
File:Booster Frame flight.png|Heavily Armed - Classified as weapons rather than vehicles
File:Old HW Booster frame 2.png|Launched - Propelled into combat at incredible speeds
File:John_Booster.jpg|Speed and Versatility - Designed to Disrupted/Overwhelm/Adapt
File:Old HW Booster frame 3.png|Open Frame Design - Designed specifically for SPARTAN-II soldiers
File:Old HW Booster frame 4.png|Recursive Thrusters - Threat-avoidance/zero-G maneuvering system
</gallery>
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|<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''Citation:'''<div class="mw-collapsible-content"><code><nowiki>{{Ref/Generic|Id=Waypoint|[[Halo Waypoint]] {{C|[[Xbox 360]] app-only}}|Booster Frame|LocalArchive=Archive:Halo_Waypoint/2009_to_2014/Universe/Technology#Booster Frame}}</nowiki></code></div></div>
|}

==Gauss Technology==
{| class="wikitable" style="width:55%"
|-
! [[Gauss|GAUSS TECHNOLOGY]]
|-
| {{Article quote|Magnetic acceleration in combat.}}

Though Karl Friedrich Gauss is an unlikely subject of conversation in [[UNSC Marine Corps|the corps]], every UNSC soldier knows the basic principles of magnetic induction which the scientist pioneered. While complicated in detail, the central values behind such technology are fairly simple. Triggering magnetic energy currents in sequential order can exponentially accelerate an object, hurling it at an impressively violent speed. In scientific jargon, this process is called "asynchronous linear induction."

While such technology was used for transportation throughout the 21st century and beyond, only much later were machines such as [[mass driver]]s created. Using the same principle, mass drivers could launch payloads from terrestrial locations, ultimately delivering them into space at hyper-sonic speed.

It wasn't long after that the military began to explore a more strategic use of this technology, the earliest of such field applications were precursors to the [[Gauss cannon]]. And although using a magnetic field to channel high-density objects became an effective measure in [[Planetary warfare|terrestrial combat]], it was even [[Space warfare|more potent in space]], removed from atmospheric conditions and local gravity.

The most common planetside applications of magnetic induction are the UNSC's [[M12G1 Warthog]] LAAV and the [[SP42 Cobra]], using [[M68 Gauss cannon|M68]] and [[M66 light railgun|M66]] asynchronous linear-induction motors respectively. [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]]s, or MACs, also use this technology. Housed on [[Orbital defense platform|orbital platforms]] that surround specific worlds, these massive weapons are organized into battle clusters and provide a planet's first line of defense against outside attack.

Other less common, but notable applications include the [[M99 Stanchion]], a sniper rifle that was used during [[Operation: TREBUCHET]], and ONI's prototypic [[OF92 Booster Frame|OF92/EVA]], or Booster Frame, which was rumored to have been deployed in a handful of highly classified space operations.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/related/gallery/gauss-technology/71304700-12eb-4ab5-9fe7-a52e4ca4094f|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Gauss Technology|D=06|M=10|Y=2011|LocalArchive=Archive:Halo Waypoint/2009 to 2014/Universe/Technology#Gauss Technology}}

<gallery>
File:Old HW Gauss 1.png|Gauss Hog - The lethal M68 mounted on the back of a Warthog
File:Old HW Gauss 2.png|The Final Assault - Part of the final efforts against the Covenant
File:H3ODST-StationaryGauss-Reference.png|M68 - M68 Asynchronous Linear-Induction Motor
File:Old HW Gauss 3.png|Prow - Cannons lie on the bow of frigates and cruisers
File:Old HW Gauss 4.png|The siege of Voi - The largest display of MAC weaponry on Earth
File:Old HW Gauss 5.png|Intimidation - The firing of a MAC has always been intimidating
File:Old HW Gauss 6.png|Cairo Station - One of the defensive platforms orbiting Earth
File:Old HW Gauss 7.png|Magnetic Accelerator Cannon - The MAC rests perpendicular to the platform
File:Old HW Gauss 8.png|Battle Cluster - Cairo, Malta, and Athens were equipped with MACs
File:Old HW Gauss 9.png|Orbital Weapon Platform Array - Cairo made first contact during the invasion
File:Old HW Gauss 10.png|Booster Frame - Booster Frames are equipped with Gauss technology
File:Old HW Gauss 11.png|SP42 Cobra - M66 Gauss cannons fire when the Cobra is mobile
</gallery>
|-
|<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''Citation:'''<div class="mw-collapsible-content"><code><nowiki>{{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/related/gallery/gauss-technology/71304700-12eb-4ab5-9fe7-a52e4ca4094f|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Gauss Technology|D=06|M=10|Y=2011|LocalArchive=Archive:Halo Waypoint/2009 to 2014/Universe/Technology#Gauss Technology}}</nowiki></code></div></div>
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==Drop Pod==
{| class="wikitable" style="width:55%"
|-
! [[Drop pod|DROP POD]]
|-
| {{Article quote|A method of troop deployment.}}

The [[Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle|Single-Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle]], or SOEIV, commonly referred to as a [[drop pod]], is a variant of the [[Human Entry Vehicle]], a method of troop deployment from very high altitudes or in many cases from space. Drop pods are most commonly used by [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]] (ODSTs), although conventional [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]] and even [[Spartan]]s have been known to use them in certain circumstances.

The unwieldy rectangular shape is roughly over five meters long from nose to tail, with a bulk span of three meters and a width of similar dimensions. Within a standard SOEIV, an occupant would have access to a crash seat with secured belts, controls for maneuvering the pod, and a variety of communication systems which would allow synchronization with others being deployed during a given drop. Weapon and equipment racks are filled prior to drops and once a successful drop has been achieved, the single hatch is expelled by way of an explosive-gas bolt system triggered by the occupant.

Combat drops such as this were historically performed during the wars of the early 20th century by paratroopers who used them to circumvent enemy lines. In the 26th century, the reasons for such deployment has changed very little—although the near ubiquity of meteor and other debris showers in many solar systems adds another strategic component to this type of insertion.

ODSTs are typically deployed from high altitude or from an exoatmospheric location, being fired toward the planet's surface until the atmosphere is breached. At this point, the occupant is free-falling at terminal velocity until the pod's automated braking-chute system is initiated, thrusting the pod backward prior to its terrestrial contact—the intended result being a safe landing.

Many drops, however, do not end safely. Though these engagements have low overall attrition yields due to the singular occupant nature of the drops, the heightened risk of equipment malfunction or user error make it extremely dangerous.

Still, this type of combat infiltration is not uncommon even across different species. During the war with the Covenant, the UNSC observed that Elites were being deployed into combat through [[Covenant drop pod|similar means]], alongside equipment pods and other materiel. Some reports even indicate that the extragalactic parasite known as the Flood used an [[Flood dispersal pod|analogous method of deployment]] across large spans of localized space, a testament to the overall science and philosophy of such techniques.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/related/gallery/drop-pod/a37c6831-12e9-4a63-b546-08aeff5bfdc8|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Drop Pod|D=25|M=03|Y=2012|LocalArchive=Archive:Halo Waypoint/2009 to 2014/Universe/Technology#Drop Pod}}

<gallery>
File:SOEIV-HEV-Drop-Pods.png|SOEIV - The angular yet blunt design of a standard SOIEV
File:Orbit Descend.png|Breach - A single drop pod enters the Earth's atmosphere
File:Old HW drop pod 1.png|Landing - Some landings are safer than others
File:H3ODST_DropPod_Concept_3.jpg|Architecture - Exterior and interior architecture of the SOEIV
File:HEV Deployment.jpg|In Amber Clad - HEVs being deployed from UNSC In Amber Clad
File:Old HW drop pod 2.png|Brakes - SOEIVs use braking chutes to generate drag
File:Old HW drop pod 3.png|Delta Halo - ODSTs dropping to the surface of Delta Halo
</gallery>
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|<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''Citation:'''<div class="mw-collapsible-content"><code><nowiki>{{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/related/gallery/drop-pod/a37c6831-12e9-4a63-b546-08aeff5bfdc8|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Drop Pod|D=25|M=03|Y=2012|LocalArchive=Archive:Halo Waypoint/2009 to 2014/Universe/Technology#Drop Pod}}</nowiki></code></div></div>
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==The MJOLNIR Project==
{{Main|The MJOLNIR Project}}
The armor which served to augment and protect the UNSC's last hope for survival.

===The MJOLNIR Project 1===
It was common knowledge within Section Three of the Office of Naval Intelligence that Doctor Catherine Halsey was working on something critical to the UNSC's war efforts - just what that was remained a mystery for quite some time. When the Spartans' existence was finally revealed, much fanfare was paid to their enhanced combat abilities and reinforced physical bodies. But what might have mattered most was their armor - the one thing which would protect them in the most brutal of combat scenarios.

That armor was called MJOLNIR, and this is its story...

*'''Video link''': [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhimGkTRvVI '''The MJOLNIR Project 1''']

===The MJOLNIR Project 2===
In August of 2552, nearly all surviving SPARTAN-II super-soldiers returned to the planet Reach to be briefed on a top-secret mission. When they arrived, they were equipped with the MJOLNIR Mark V armor - a specialized upgrade to the existing armor that had been serving them well for decades.

Mark V, however, was only the tip of the iceberg. For years, the UNSC and ONI had already been crafting a large number of variations on this armor - all of them customized toward specific attributes and functions on varied battlefields. These steps would play a crucial role in the battles to come, creating specialized classes and teams designed for specific purposes.

While many Spartans perished during the fall of Reach, MJOLNIR had been historically viewed as a technological success. Even with those who remain skeptical of the individual Spartan programs have admitted that without the effective military application of MJOLNIR, the human species would have likely been brought to extinction.

*'''Video link''': [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5j3_6Mbs4A '''The MJOLNIR Project 2''']

==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}