Editing Materials Group

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[[File:SLoftus-MaterialsGroup.png|thumb|150px|The emblem of the Materials Group.]]
'''Materials Group''' is a division of the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] that is responsible for researching, developing, and manufacturing technologically advanced matériel. The Materials Group's most important development has been the design of the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]] and the [[powered exoskeleton]]s which preceded it,<ref name="EVG 118">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 118''</ref><ref name="EVG 119">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 119''</ref><ref name="EVG 120">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 120''</ref>  as well as several specialized variant models.<ref name="EVG 65">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 65''</ref><ref name="EVG 66">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 66''</ref><ref name="EVG 85">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 85''</ref><ref name="EVG 92">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 92''</ref><ref name="EVG 152">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 152''</ref><ref name="EVG 165">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 165''</ref>
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== Known projects ==
=== XRP12 Gremlin ===
During the early years of the [[Insurrection]] in the late 25th century, Materials Group developed the [[X23 Non-Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse Cannon]], which was designed to disable weapons of mass destruction before detonation. Though this technology had existed since the 20th century, the X23 was the first truly precise application of the technology. Once Materials Group deemed that the X23 was a viable tool, it was mounted on a transport chassis; this resulted in the creation of the [[XRP12 Combat Support Vehicle]], commonly known as the Gremlin.<ref name="EVG 83">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 83''</ref>

====Project: YGGDRASIL====
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==== MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor ====
[[File:Still 01.jpg|thumb|left|160px|The Mark V MJOLNIR PAA, a groundbreaking iteration in the Materials Group's MJOLNIR series.]]
{{Main|MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor}}
Unimpressed with previous attempts at producing powered exoskeletons but requiring a battle suit to complement her [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan-IIs]], [[Catherine Halsey]] sought to develop an entirely new battle suit from the ground up. Working with Materials Group, she founded Project: MJOLNIR to achieve this aim, which Halsey felt was the realization of the goals of previous failed power armour and exoskeleton projects.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG 118}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG 44}}<ref name="TFoR2">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 115 (2001 edition)'', ''page 137 (2010 edition)''</ref> However, MJOLNIR, rather than being a bulky powered exoskeleton, would be a self-contained, nearly form-fitting body suit; it would augment the wearer's physical abilities to superhuman levels, though it would require [[SPARTAN-II augmentation procedures|dangerous genetic modification]] to function safely. The [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV|first production model of MJOLNIR]] was developed at Materials Group's [[Damascus Materials Testing Facility]] on [[Chi Ceti IV]], and was introduced to the recently graduated Spartans on [[2525#November|November 27, 2525]]. 

Halsey intended for MJOLNIR to remain a single, continuous system that would be incrementally updated as upgrades became available. However, in [[2535]], Materials Group required that a generational categorisation system be introduced for the MJOLNIR armour, for the purposes of serialisation and prioritisation, and as a means of fiscal oversight. While Halsey was displeased with the mandate, she chose to comply in order to "keep the accountants out of [her] hair and her work", though she noted that she still intended to treat MJOLNIR as an evolving platform, with the categorisation system existing to make it seem neater on paper.<ref name="Journal2535">'''Dr. Halsey's personal journal''', ''January 7, 2535''</ref>

Consequently, the history and future of MJOLNIR was divided into discrete numbered classes. First, Marks I, II and III referred to three prototype iterations before the first production model. Next, all production models of MJOLNIR were grouped under the Mark IV banner, given their similar specifications. Finally, Halsey laid out a prospective roadmap of specifications for three future iterations, Mark V, Mark VI and Mark VII, though she expected these specifications to be mutable depending on time, budget and other limitations that could crop up.<ref name="Journal2535"/> Materials Group [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV#Advanced Hardware Program|continued to develop the main MJOLNIR series]], resulting in several superficially distinct versions which, despite their drastically different appearances, were all classified as Mark IV due to their internal architecture.<ref name="way-mjol">[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/related/video/the-mjolnir-project-2/46e89c1a-f619-41e2-ad7f-ab65c61ca2df '''Halo Waypoint''': ''The MJOLNIR Project Part 2'']</ref>

On [[2551|November 24, 2551]], the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V|Mark V]] generation was introduced.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG 119}}<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_012910 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update - 1/29/10'']</ref> This version featured [[energy shielding]] technology, which was previously thought to be impossible to reverse-engineer from [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] technology. It also introduced the ability to accommodate a starship-grade [[smart artificial intelligence]]. In late 2552, the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI|Mark VI]] was introduced. Though it offered few groundbreaking improvements over the Mark V, aside from an automated [[biofoam]] injection system, numerous components were refined, making the Mark VI among the most powerful pieces of technology ever created by [[human]]ity.

Following the end of the Human-Covenant War the Mark VI was quickly replaced by MJOLNIR GEN2.<ref>'''[[Halo: Initiation]]'''</ref> While the MJOLNIR [[Mark VII]] was produced it was not as cost effective or versatile as the GEN2 platform.<ref name="wp mjolnir">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/tech/mjolnir '''Halo Waypoint''': ''MJOLNIR'']</ref>
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===== MJOLNIR variants =====
In addition to the main MJOLNIR series, Materials Group developed several purpose-specific variants. Though several other variants have been produced, they were designed by private defense contractors, not by Materials Group.
*[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV]]
**[[GRENADIER-class Mjolnir|Grenadier]] variant - Developed from early prototypes of the original MJOLNIR (later Mark IV) helmet. Provides superior armor and improved heads-up display to improve performance of grenadiers.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG 85}}
**[[EOD-class Mjolnir|EOD]] variant - Designed to increase survivability when in close proximity to an explosion. Developed and manufactured at the Damascus Materials Testing Facility, the development site of the original MJOLNIR.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG 65}}
**[[EVA-class Mjolnir|EVA]] variant - One of the earliest MJOLNIR variants. Designed to aid Spartans' mobility, field of view, and endurance during [[extra-vehicular activity]]. Developed and manufactured at Materials Group's [[Low/Zero Gravity Testing Facility]] in [[Lister]], [[Aigburth]], [[Ganymede]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG 66}}
*[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V]]
**Grenadier variant
**[[HAZOP-class Mjolnir|HAZOP]] variant - Introduced as a variant of the Mark V system. Designed to improve survivability in extremely hazardous environments. Prototypes were fielded in the years prior to launch.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG 92}}
**[[RECON-class Mjolnir|Recon]] variant - Designed to improve stealth by reducing infrared signature and [[Čerenkov radiation]] emissions. Developed at the [[Beta-5 Division]]'s [[Beta-5 Division Ordnance Testing Facility|Ordnance Testing Facility]] in [[Swanbourne]], [[wikipedia:Western Australia|Western Australia]], parallel to the S variant.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG 152}} After the Human-Covenant War, the [[Imbrium Machine Complex]] took ownership of Recon production.
**[[SCOUT-class Mjolnir|Scout]] variant - Designed to improved stealth by reducing infrared signature and Čerenkov radiation emissions. Developed at B5D Ordnance Testing Facility in Swanbourne, Western Australia, parallel to the Mark VI/R variant.
*[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI]]
**EOD variant
**EVA variant
**Scout variant
**Recon variant
**[[Project HAYABUSA]] - Originally an independent powered armor project by the [[RKD]] think-tank, a MJOLNIR-compatible HAYABUSA variant was later developed after Materials Group contacted and pooled resources with RKD.
*[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN2)|MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor [GEN2]]] - The second generation of MJOLNIR armor, replacing GEN1 (Mark IV-VII)
**[[DECIMATOR-class Mjolnir|Decimator]] variant
**EVA variant
**[[PROTECTOR-class Mjolnir|Protector]] variant
**[[SCANNER-class Mjolnir|Scanner]] variant
**Scout variant
**[[SOLDIER-class Mjolnir|Soldier]] variant
**[[WARRIOR-class Mjolnir|Warrior]] variant
*[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN3)]] - The third generation of MJOLNIR armor, replacing the former two MJOLNIR generations.
**[[Mark V Zeta]] variant - Spartans assigned to ONI's [[Xeno-Materials Exploitation Group]] on [[Installation 07]] found that their upgraded Mark V's mix of high-threat response and surveillance interlinks were ideal for the ring's peculiar operating environment.{{Ref/Site|Id=CFParallel|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/parallel-threads|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Parallel Threads|D=25|M=6|Y=2021}}
**[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VII|Mark VII]] variant - Though the GEN3 model of Mark VII MJOLNIR does represent a generational leap for the MJOLNIR platform for actively deployed Spartans, some elements tested with the GEN1 and GEN2 Mark VII remain in the prototype stage due to unreliability or cost factors, such as integration of [[Forerunner]]-derived [[Nanotechnology|nanomachine]] elements and full [[Energy shielding|shield]]-shaping.{{Ref/Site|Id=CFDistance|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/despite-distance|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Despite Distance|D=27|M=6|Y=2021}}
**[[SOLDIER-class Mjolnir|Soldier]] variant - The latest iteration of the Soldier helmet features a new revision of Materials Group's combat catalyst firmware. The fireteam synchronization features remain unfinished circa [[2560]], but [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Halsey]]'s interest may accelerate development.{{Ref/Site|Id=CFShowcase|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/showcase-sensitive|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Showcase Sensitive|D=27|M=6|Y=2021}}

== Known facilities ==
[[File:HINF-SI-space station.png|thumb|250px|Unidentified Materials Group' facility orbiting unknown planet.]]
*[[Damascus Materials Testing Facility]] - When this facility was attacked by the Covenant vessel ''[[Unrelenting]]'' on [[2525#November|November 27, 2525]], the SPARTAN-IIs were deployed to destroy the ship, resulting in the death of [[Samuel-034]]. The Covenant then deployed a [[science lance]] to the facility to retrieve any useful technology,<ref>'''[[Halo Wars]]''' timeline</ref> though this incursion was seemingly unsuccessful, as Materials Group held the facility throughout the [[Human-Covenant War]].{{Ref/Reuse|EVG 85}} The Damascus facility's staff developed both the EOD and Grenadier variants of the MJOLNIR system.
*[[Beta-5 Division Ordnance Testing Facility]] - This facility was responsible for the parallel development of the Scout and Recon variants of the Mark VI MJOLNIR armor.
*[[Low/Zero Gravity Testing Facility]] - This facility developed and manufactured the MJOLNIR EVA variant after the [[Summa Deep Space Incident]], prompting a desire to improve performance in limited-gravity/evacuated environments.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG 66}}
*[[Weapons Research Facility T12A]] - This facility's HRUNTING research team was responsible for the development of the [[HRUNTING Mark III (B) Exoskeleton]], commonly known as the Cyclops. Later, HRUNTING was merged with [[Project YGGDRASIL]], leading to the development of the [[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark I Prototype Armor Defense System]]. This facility was attacked by the Covenant during or after [[2548]], and was destroyed when a [[Ghost (Marine)|sergeant]] from the [[UNSC Marine Corps of Engineers]] activated the self-destruct sequence of the only known HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL suit, killing the invading Covenant forces.<ref name="EVG 44">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 44''</ref><ref>'''Halo Legends''', ''Prototype''</ref>
*[[WG/Facility 58-32/B5D]] - This facility is used to test several GEN2 Mjolnir armor.
*Unidentified facility - This facility is responsible for manufacturing of GEN3 Mjolnir armor.
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==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Fr - Logo - Materials Group.jpg|A logo of Materials Group created to be a "visual ID".
File:Damascus Facility.png|The Damascus Materials Testing Facility on Chi Ceti IV.
File:HINF MaterialsGroupLogo.png|Another Materials Group logo.
</gallery>

== List of appearances ==
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo 3]]'' {{Im}}
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Prototype]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]'' {{Im}}
**''[[Dr. Halsey's personal journal]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Boot Camp|Boot Camp]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]'' 
*''[[Halo: Nightfall]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' {{Indirect appearance}}
*''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Step Inside]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]'' {{Mo}}

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

[[Category:Office of Naval Intelligence]]