Airfoil carapace

An Air Foil Carapace is a deployment package for a parafoil, in the shape of an animal's carapace.

The carapace is a highly resistant unit which allows a Spartan-II to enter the atmosphere of a planet from high orbit. It includes fixings for weapons, to prevent them being lost in the deceleration upon entry to the atmosphere. Although the carapace is likely to provide some heat protection for the user, most of the heat from friction will be deflected by the Spartan's MJOLNIR armor, making it unsuitable for use by standard personnel. Once terminal velocity has been reached, and a suitable altitude above the planet surface has been attained, the parafoil may be deployed for a safe landing.