MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VII

The MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VII is the fourth and most recent major iteration of the MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor [GEN1]. The armor's cost led it to be supplanted by the MJOLNIR [GEN2] line. GEN1 Mark VII was issued to at least one of the surviving Spartan-II supersoldiers, Naomi-010, on January 27, 2553. However, ONI's Materials Group had not given up on Mark VII. With designs created as part of Misriah Armory's Project KEYSTONE, Materials Group would finally manufacture a full production run of the armor as part of the MJOLNIR [GEN3] line circa 2559.

Hypothetical model (2535)
Theoretical design elements for a seventh iteration of MJOLNIR were proposed by Doctor Catherine Halsey in her personal journal in 2535; how many of these features were implemented in the final product is unknown. The Mark VII appeared to have been the last planned phase of the MJOLNIR project at the time. It would have utilized a power system that made use of a combination of plasma and fusion technology, slipspace de-insertion capability, active AI transfer protocols, and limited shaping of the suit's energy shield.

"Slipspace de-insertion capability" means that a Spartan would be able to exit a vessel traveling in slipspace and re-enter normal space, similar to the Long Range Stealth Orbital Insertion Pod. Halsey described "limited shaping of the energy shield" as the ability to form "partial overlaps, airfoils, etc." This incidentally would have been quite similar to the Forerunners' practice of shaping hard light.

Due to unexpected technological breakthroughs, some of these upgrades were implemented earlier than planned and are presumably featured in the production version of the Mark VII. For example, the Mark VI has integrated atmospheric insertion capabilities, which allow a Spartan to free-fall from space without a re-entry vehicle such as an SOEIV. However, this requires a drag chute or parachute, whereas the theoretical Mark VII would have all necessary technology integrated into the suit.

GEN1
The Mark VII was produced by a supplier other than Office of Naval Intelligence's Materials Group, which produced the previous models. It is more lightweight than prior versions. The Mark VII implements several features not exhibited by earlier MJOLNIR incarnations. Most notably, the armor contains nano-technological components which enable the armor to repair and upgrade itself autonomously without outside influences, such as while the user is in cryosleep. The Mark VII also features limited energy shield shaping. Naomi-010's Mark VII suit resembles the Mark V [B], which may be due to the Spartan's choice in her armor's appearance. The Mark VII also is able to recycle urine; this is done with precise calibration on a catheterized Spartan.

GEN2
The Mark VII platform saw some amount of iteration on the GEN2 platform of MJOLNIR development, though proved to be cost-ineffective to mass-produce and was never manufactured in large numbers. In light of the development of the more versatile GEN2 platform which enabled more economical optimization for the different Spartan generations in service, the first generation MJOLNIR was mainly optimized for the Spartan-IIs. However, a number of technologies developed for the Mark VII program were incorporated to the MJOLNIR [GEN2] system, with the NAVIGATOR variant recieving some such technologies for testing on ANVIL Station. The closest GEN2 armor model to the Mark VII is the DECIMATOR variant, though it is mostly unknown outside of the Spartan special forces community.

GEN3
By October 2558, the Mark VII was used as the testbed for the MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN3), but it remained uncertain if manufacturers would adopt the standards and cost accounting by the Unified Earth Government. Eventually, the efforts of the Mark VII and DECIMATOR programs alongside similar projects within the Materials Group would dovetail, resulting in the GEN3 Mark VII variant. Design of this armor was selected by Dr. Halsey from Materials Group's KEYSTONE development program. This suit is designed to outfit the latest Spartan contingents with the very best in cutting-edge warfighting technology. This armor is worn by Spartan Griffin, a member of Fireteam Taurus, during the events of the Installation 07 conflict.

Specifications
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 nanomachine elements and full shield-shaping.

The majority of GEN3 Mark VII armor is made out of a titanium alloy. Its helmet features large, high-end air intakes on each side of the visor. Combined with robust filtration systems, these keep Spartans operating smoothly within the hostile air of alien worlds and in crowded urban environments alike. Spartans have the option of attaching two supplemental vents below the visor for improved breathability. The Mark VII chest piece is compatible with a wide range of attachments and enhancements that can be tailored to specific mission parameters. Similarly, the techsuit can also be easily customized. For the purpose of attaching shoulder and bicep armor, Mark VII armor includes a mounting pauldron that is connected directly to the techsuit. As with previous iterations of Mjolnir armor, Mark VII forearms support attachments such as TACPADs. The gloves used with Mark VII armor—as well as any set of GEN3 Mjolnir—make use of enhanced nano-papillary cells to provide strong grip and surface friction, which is ideal when coming into frequent contact with incredibly smooth alien alloys. The gloves also provide protection in hazardous environments while remaining flexible enough to allow for maximum mobility, particularly for the trigger finger. As with virtually all other iterations of Mjolnir, the overlapping thigh armor plates include weapon mounts for pistol-sized firearms. The shin guards on Mark VII Mjolnir are composed of two separate plates (front and back), which are connected using high-strength buckles. Mark VII's foot armor sits atop a form-fitting “bootie” made of a similar composite-polymer material as the techsuit. The underside of the boots feature a highly specialized tread pattern that provides optimal grip in a wide range of environments, designed to provide adequate friction for launching an attack. When necessary, electromagnetic resonance amplifiers can be engaged to provide additional stability.

Halo 4
As part of Season 7: Elite for Halo: The Master Chief Collection, a helmet based on the Mark VII design featured in Halo Infinite is available for use. While visually similar, this helmet is known as the Keystone helmet.

Halo Infinite
The Mark VII armor core is the default armor core unlocked for all players in Halo Infinite multiplayer. The Mark VII helmet and its attachments are available for multiplayer Spartan armor customization on the Mark VII armor core.

List of appearances

 * Halo 3
 * Halo: Reach
 * Dr. Halsey's personal journal
 * Halo: Glasslands
 * Halo: The Thursday War
 * Halo 4
 * Halo: Mortal Dictata
 * Halo 5: Guardians
 * Halo Mythos
 * Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual
 * Halo Infinite