Editing ORION armor

{{Status|Canon}}
{{Pageimage|HINF - Orion IIC on Live Fire - 00001.png}}
{{Armor infobox
|name=Orion
|image={{tabcontainer||title1=IIC|content1=[[File:HINF - Helmet icon - Orion IIC.png|300px]]|title2=MELAENO|content2=<gallery mode=slideshow>
File:HTMCC H2A Orion Crop.png
File:HTMCC H2A Orion Crop Back.png
</gallery>
}}
|manufacturer=[[Materials Group]]{{Ref/Game|Id=HIOrionHelmet|HINF|Armor customization (Halo Infinite)|Armor Hall|Detail=Orion IIC - Helmet Description|Quote=A realization of the Project ORION concept for the ultimate human weapon system: hardware, software, and wetware optimized for lethal effect.}}
|testsite=
|type=*[[Powered exoskeleton]] prototype{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*[[MIRAGE-class Mjolnir|Mirage IIC]] {{C|ORION IIC}}{{Ref/Reuse|HIOrionHelmet}}
|role=
|weight=
|features=Shoulder-mounted "[[Shoulder Angel]]" micro-missile launcher
}}
The '''ORION Exoframe Load Carrier''', often simplified to simply the "'''ORION armor'''," was a [[powered exoskeleton]] design developed by {{Project|MELAENO}}, as a sister project intended for use in the [[ORION Project|ORION program]] but mostly remained as a concept.{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=76}}{{Ref/Site|Id=CF|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/anniversary-armory|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Anniversary Armory|D=03|M=11|Y=2021}} The design was eventually realised on the [[MIRAGE-class Mjolnir|Mirage IIC]] platform as the '''ORION IIC prototype exoframe''' variant.{{Ref/Site|Id=LastStandOL|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/last-stand-operation-launch|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Last Stand Operation Launch|D=03|M=11|Y=2025}}

==MELAENO overview==
===Design details===
The Orion armor encompasses a full-body armor suite, with a helmet notably reminiscent of select [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV|Mark IV]] and [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V|Mark V]] helmets of which it would serve as the grandfather of. The chest armor is equipped with a prototype fitting for a "[[Shoulder Angel]]" micro-missile/decoy launcher.{{Ref/Reuse|CF}}

===Development history===
ORION armor was created as a part of the [[Colonial Military Authority]]'s {{Project|MELAENO}}—a project inspired by the [[Materials Group]]'s {{Project|HRUNTING}} series of powered exoskeletons. Ultimately, only a few components of the armor underwent field testing before the project's cancellation.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}

The Orion armor's forearms were field-tested by ORION operatives in [[Operation: KALEIDOSCOPE]], during the [[Insurrection]]. Testing of the greaves was conducted by [[ORION candidate 029]] on [[Mars]],{{Ref/Reuse|CF}} with the suit's hardware development studies later going on to provide useful data for the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]] project.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} Classified MELAENO project files were dug up by [[Catherine Halsey]] in [[2515]] and the useful parts noted,{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} with the suit's design ultimately going on to inform the MJOLNIR team on ensuring high range of motion and high levels of protection.{{Ref/Reuse|CF}}

The Orion exoframe was later used by the [[Watershed Division]] as a useful stepping stone in the development of the [[Semi-Powered Infiltration armor]] used in the [[SPARTAN-III program]]. As of [[2559]], many of MELAENO's successes and failures remain classified.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}

===Usage===
What little of the Orion armor that was actually created was employed by ORION personnel during Operation: KALEIDOSCOPE, around [[2506]]-[[2507]].{{Ref/Reuse|CF}}

==ORION IIC overview==
===Design details===
The ORION IIC prototype exoframe is primary designed around the MIRAGE IIC platform,{{Ref/Reuse|HIOrionHelmet}} with parts tied to [[TAC attachments]],{{Ref/Game|Id=HIOrionChest|HINF|Armor customization (Halo Infinite)|Armor Hall|Detail=TAC/Project AETHR - Chest Description|Quote=Lightweight BPC plating and integral "Shoulder Angel" micro-missile/decoy launcher.}} [[SAP attachments]],{{Ref/Game|Id=HIOrionShoulders|HINF|Armor customization (Halo Infinite)|Armor Hall|Detail=SAP/HPAD - Shoulders Description|Quote=A design that has stood the test of time.}} and [[UA attachments]].{{Ref/Game|Id=HIOrionKnees|HINF|Armor customization (Halo Infinite)|Armor Hall|Detail=UA/TYPE OPX - Knee Pads Description|Quote=Off the drawing board and onto the battlefield.}}

The IIC is considered a realisation of original goals of the ORION program: the ultimate human weapon system, merging hardware, software, and wetware.{{Ref/Reuse|HIOrionHelmet}} The chestplate is derived from a separate related project [[Project AETHR|AETHR]], and features lightweight BPC plating and a newer design for the Shoulder Angel missile launcher originally intended for the first-generation ORION suite.{{Ref/Reuse|HIOrionChest}} The set also includes a WC2 Model 11, a wrist-wearable auxiliary computer module.{{Ref/Game|Id=HIOrionWrist|HINF|Armor customization (Halo Infinite)|Armor Hall|Detail=TAC/WC2 Model 11 - Wrist Description|Quote=Ruggedized wrist-wearable auxiliary computer module.}} Overall, despite the improvements the set is still considered outmoded by [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]].{{Ref/Reuse|LastStandOL}}

===Development history===
ORION IIC was created by the [[Materials Group]], part of the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]], as a prototype,{{Ref/Reuse|HIOrionHelmet}}{{Ref/Reuse|LastStandOL}} with several parts such as the shoulders and knee pads being directly tied to the original ORION suits from the Insurrection era.{{Ref/Reuse|HIOrionShoulders}}{{Ref/Reuse|HIOrionKnees}} Testing for the helmet involves the installation of a visorplate, mounted atop testbed linear sensors and [[Visual Intelligence System, Reconnaissance]] (VISR) filters.{{Ref/Game|Id=HIOrionHelmetAttachment|HINF|Armor customization (Halo Infinite)|Armor Hall|Detail=Orion Visorplate - Helmet Attachment Description|Quote=Hardware module used to testbed linear sensors and VISR filters.}}

===Usage===
The ORION IIC prototypes have reportedly seen usage in undisclosed [[operation]]s throughout the [[Post-Covenant War conflicts|post-war era]],{{Ref/Reuse|LastStandOL}} with the [[Beta-5 Division]] approving of the thigh plate.{{Ref/Game|Id=HIOrionyUtility|HINF|Armor customization (Halo Infinite)|Armor Hall|Detail=UA/Thigh Plate - Utility Description|Quote=B5D approved.}}

==In-game information==
===''Halo 2: Anniversary''===
Orion was implemented into ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' as a useable [[Armor customization (Halo 2: Anniversary)|armor set]] in the [[Halo 20th anniversary|20th anniversary celebration]] event for ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'', marking the first time a new piece of customisation was implemented for the game. The set is available for purchase in [[The Exchange]] on the week of November 3, 2021 and again on the week of January 5, 2022.{{Ref/Site|Id=Unlock|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/celebrating-20-years-of-halo-in-the-master-chief-collection|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Celebrating 20 Years of Halo in The Master Chief Collection|D=03|M=11|Y=2021}}
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 75%;"
! style="width: 15%"|Piece
! style="width: 65%"|Description
! style="width: 35%"|Unlock requirements
|- align="center"
|[[File:HTMCC H2A Orion Helmet Icon.png|75px]]<br>Helmet
|align="center"|Project ORION had ambitious plans for complete super-soldier weapon systems, but only Dr. Halsey had the vision and genius to bring both hardware and wetware to fruition.
|[[The Exchange]], {{SeasonPoint|2}}
|- align="center"
|[[File:HTMCC H2A Orion Chest Icon.png|75px]]<br>Chest
|align="center"|High-grade torso shell with prototype fitting for integrated "[[Shoulder Angel]]" micro-missile/decoy launcher.
|[[The Exchange]], {{SeasonPoint|2}}
|- align="center"
|[[File:HTMCC H2A Orion Shoulder Icon.png|75px]]<br>Shoulders
|align="center"|ORION hardware development studies provided useful data for ensuring both range of motion and high levels of protection on later MJOLNIR designs.
|[[The Exchange]], {{SeasonPoint|2}}
|- align="center"
|[[File:HTMCC H2A Orion Forearms Icon.png|75px]]<br>Forearms
|align="center"|Field-tested during [[Operation: KALEIDOSCOPE]].
|[[The Exchange]], {{SeasonPoint|2}}
|- align="center"
|[[File:HTMCC H2A Orion Legs Icon.png|75px]]<br>Legs
|align="center"|Rigorous testing of the greaves was undertaken by [[ORION candidate 029|candidate 029]] on the red plains of [[Mars]].
|[[The Exchange]], {{SeasonPoint|2}}
|}
===''Halo Infinite''===
Orion would return in ''[[Halo Infinite]]'' during 2025's [[Summer Update]], releasing with the [[Last Stand (Operation)|Last Stand]] [[Event|Operation]]. Purchasable through ''Infinite's'' [[Shop]], the Orion IIC armor and its associated components are primarily available on the [[MIRAGE-class Mjolnir|Mirage]]  armor core.

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 75%;"
! scope="col" style="width: 15%" |Armor
! scope="col" style="width: 15%" |Manufacturer
! scope="col" style="width: 25%" |Lore
! scope="col" style="width: 10%" |Quality
! scope="col" style="width: 15%" |Introduced In
! scope="col" style="width: 15%" |Unlock Requirements
|-
|align="center"|[[File:HINF - Helmet icon - Orion IIC.png|75px]]<br>ORION IIC
|rowspan="7"|[[Materials Group]]
|A realization of the Project ORION concept for the ultimate human weapon system: hardware, software, and wetware optimized for lethal effect.
|rowspan="7"|{{HINFRarity|Legendary}}
|rowspan="7"|[[Last Stand (Operation)|Last Stand]]
|rowspan="7"|Purchase either:
*"Master of Orion" for 2,000 cR
*"Headhunter Constellation" for 3,200 cR
|-
|align="center"|[[File:HINF - Helmet attachment icon - ORION Visorplate.png|75px]]<br>ORION Visorplate
|Hardware module used to testbed linear sensors and VISR filters.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:HINF - Chest icon - TAC-Project AETHR.png|75px]]<br>TAC/Project AETHR
|Lightweight BPC plating and integral "Shoulder Angel" micro-missile/decoy launcher.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:HINF - Left shoulder icon - SAP-HPAD.png|75px]][[File:HINF - Right shoulder icon - SAP-HPAD.png|75px]]<br>SAP/HPAD
|A design that has stood the test of time.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:HINF - Wrist icon - TAC-WC2 Model 11.png|75px]]<br>TAC/WC2 Model 11
|Ruggedized wrist-wearable auxiliary computer module.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:HINF - Utility icon - UA-Thigh Plate.png|75px]]<br>UA/Thigh Plate
|B5D approved.
|-
|align="center"|[[File:HINF - Knee pad icon - UA-TYPE OPX.png|75px]]<br>UA/TYPE OPX
|Off the drawing board and onto the battlefield.
|}
==Production notes==
The Orion armor design dates back to the [[1999 (real world)|1999]]-era armor seen at MacWorld 1999 during the [[Halo announcement trailer|''Halo'' announcement trailer]], which was used to officially unveil ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' to the public for the first time ever.

The armor made its first appearance in published ''Halo'' media in [[2005]]'s ''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''. The armor can be seen on page 96 as an unnamed extra during the story ''[[Second Sunrise Over New Mombasa]]'', in a presumably non-canon appearance.{{Ref/Comic|HGN|Story=Second Sunrise Over New Mombasa|Page=96}} It was first featured in a canonical capacity in ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' for ''Halo''{{'}}s 20th anniversary.

==Gallery==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
===Developmental images and illustrations===
<gallery>
File:HCE John117 Concept 1.jpg|An early drawing of John-117 by Shi Kai Wang, featuring the design that would evolve into the Orion armor.
File:HCE ProtoHalo Concept.jpg|Extremely early concept art for ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', featuring Orion-clad cyborgs.
File:PXH CGW1999Cover Screenshot.jpg|The original Macworld 1999 armor.
File:HCE OrionSquad.jpg|A squad of soldiers in Macworld armor, ported into ''Combat Evolved''.
File:HGN Orion.png|A look at the presumably non-canon appearance of the ORION armor in ''Second Sunrise Over New Mombasa''.
File:Enc22-OrionArmour.png|Orion armor in the ''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)]]''.
</gallery>
===''Halo 2: Anniversary''===
<gallery>
File:HTMCC Orion Armour.jpg|The Orion armor in the menus of ''The Master Chief Collection''.
File:H2A Zenith OrionBRClose.png|An Orion-clad Spartan holding a [[BR55 battle rifle]].
File:H2A Zenith OrionBRBack.png|Back view of an Orion-clad Spartan holding a battle rifle.
File:H2A Zenith OrionBRFar.png|An Orion-clad Spartan holding a battle rifle.
File:H2A Zenith OrionBRReload.png|An Orion-clad Spartan reloading a battle rifle.
File:H2A Zenith OrionSPNKr 1.png|An Orion-clad Spartan holding an [[M41 SPNKR]].
File:H2A Zenith OrionSPNKr 2.png|An Orion-clad Spartan holding an M41 rocket launcher.
File:H2A Zenith OrionSMG.png|An Orion-clad Spartan holding an [[M7 SMG]].
File:H2A Zenith OrionSMGReload.png|An Orion-clad Spartan reloading an SMG.
File:H2A Lockdown Orions.jpg|Two Spartans clad in Orion helmets and chest armors.
File:H2A_Orion_Plasma.png|An Orion-clad Spartan holding a Plasma Rifle.
</gallery>

===''Halo Infinite''===
<gallery>
File:HINF - Orion IIC on Live Fire - 00001.png|A Spartan-IV wearing the Orion IIC armor on [[Live Fire]].
File:HINF - Orion IIC on Live Fire - 00002.png|The same Spartan-IV with Orion IIC's visorplate attachment.
File:HINF LastStand OrionMK2 PressKit.jpg|Spartan wearing the Orion IIC armour in ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
</gallery>

==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''
**''[[Second Sunrise Over New Mombasa]]'' {{C|First appearance, non-canon}}
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
**''[[Summer Update]]''

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

{{Human exoskeletons}}
{{Armor/Permutation|H2A|HI}}
[[Category:Halo Infinite multiplayer armor permutations]]
[[Category:Halo 2: Anniversary multiplayer armor permutations]]
[[Category:UNSC armor]]