MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN2)

The MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor [GEN2] is the second system-wide generation of the MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor. The GEN2, which is lighter than the Marks IV through VI, is worn by SPARTAN-IV supersoldiers. The armor was used in widespread by SPARTAN-IVs aboard the in July 2557.

Background
The GEN2 was developed by the Materials Group as a response to the SPARTAN-IV project. The armor incorporates new ad hoc modification systems which gives the armor the ability to use tactical packages, support upgrades, and armor abilities. The GEN2 is now produced by half a dozen manufacturers, both within the military and among private contractors. Like its GEN1 predecessors, it is backwards compatible with previous armor systems such as the Mark VI. The manufacturing and production of a handful of variants were transferred to new corporate identities after their initial company manufacturers' base of operations were razed by Covenant forces during the Human-Covenant War.

Armor variants and upgrades

 * Air Assault - Utilized primarily by ONI security personnel on Earth's and Luna's space elevators.
 * Aviator - Recommended for use by Broadsword pilots.
 * CIO - A variant for Combat Intelligence Officers.
 * Commando - A variant for special operations.
 * Deadeye - Designed for snipers.
 * Defender - Designed for general area denial and tactical defensive abilities.
 * EOD - A variant designed to facilitate explosive ordnance disposal.
 * Enforcer - A variant designed for remote security base detail.
 * Engineer - A variant designed for repairing and reconfiguring technology in combat.
 * EVA - A variant designed for extra-vehicular activity.
 * FOTUS - A variant based on forerunner technology.
 * GUNGNIR - Upgrade of GEN1 model developed by Project GUNGNIR.
 * HAZOP - A variant for missions considered too hazardous for standard equipment.
 * Infiltrator - A variant tested on the orbital battleclusters above New Carthage.
 * LOCUS - A variant chosen for its resiliency.
 * Oceanic - Designed for combat in waterfront areas.
 * Orbital - A variant designed for EVA activity.
 * Operator - A variant designed to optimize vehicle operation.
 * Pathfinder - A variant designed for missions in intel-poor environments.
 * Pioneer - A variant designed for missions in new or hostile environments.
 * Protector - Variant designed for VIP security.
 * Raider - A variant designed with Samurai-like aesthetics.
 * Ranger - A variant designed for remote operatives engaging in hostile environmental conditions.
 * Recon - A variant designed for stealth reconnaissance operations.
 * Recruit - Issued to all SPARTAN-IV recruits.
 * Rogue - A variant designed for extended solo operations.
 * Scanner - A variant designed to aid search-and-rescue strike teams.
 * Scout - Designed for scouting operations.
 * Soldier - A variant tested at the Damascus Testing Facility on Chi Ceti IV.
 * Stalker - A variant designed to aid in covert shadowing of a target.
 * Strider - A variant for joint-combat excursions in isolated theaters.
 * Tracker - A variant designed to aid in long-range pursuit of targets.
 * Vanguard - A variant manufactured by Hannibal Weapon Systems for face-to-face enemy assault.
 * Venator - A variant that gained prominence during the defense of Concord and single-enemy fighting.
 * Warrior - MJOLNIR's mainline armor kit.
 * War Master - Lethbridge Industrial's most popular and most exotic armor.
 * Wetwork - A variant designed for assassination operations.

Various upgrades were made with the GEN2 that previous armor systems did not have.
 * Sprint module: Unlike previous armor systems, the GEN2 has a built-in sprint module that allows the user to run at faster speeds by overriding safety protocols, inspired by the version developed by Catherine-B320 of NOBLE Team.

The armor system is built to support a variety of attachments and equipment which allows it to utilize armor abilities.
 * Active camouflage emitter - The active camo ability allows the wearer to temporarily become cloaked for brief periods of time.
 * Autosentry - A support drone used by the UNSC military to suppress enemy combatants.
 * Hologram module - This component allows the user to create a holographic projection of themselves that can distract enemy fire.
 * Hard-light Shield - A shield made from hard light engineered from Forerunner technology.
 * S-12 Jump-Jet Pack This component mitigates gravity, allowing mobility in challenging terrain.
 * Promethean vision - A Forerunner-made visual enhancement that behaves similarly to sonar and thus allows the visualization of movement through solid objects.
 * Regeneration Field - Applies a force to remove hostiles from the presence of the user and then temporarily appropriates armor system functions, targeting biological and combat vitality oriented armor functions in order to repair the user.
 * Thruster pack - A booster pack used to propel the wearer forward.

Armor components

 * Energy shielding: A protective barrier that surrounds the armor and protects the user from harm.
 * Microfusion reactor: The fusion reactor is the most essential part of the MJOLNIR system, as it provides power to all equipment on the MJOLNIR armor - the reactor is built into the suit and allows for nearly unlimited movement. The fusion reactor in all versions of the MJOLNIR armor are half the size of a normal fusion pack that conventional marines carry around.
 * Magnetic weapon holder strips: The MJOLNIR armor features very small, yet powerful magnets placed on the legs, waist, and back of the suit that are used to hold any equipment or any weapons with a magnetic property. The suit also contains a magnet system within its boots that allows its wearer to stay attached to a metal surface in zero G environments and can be toggled on or off by the wearer.
 * Power supply control unit: Manages the power supply of the armor.
 * MJOLNIR GEN2 BIOS: The basic input/output system, standard firmware interface to the GEN2.
 * VISR 4.0: Up to version 4.09, these visor installments are optimized and customized to facilitate specialized tasks.
 * Force-multiplying circuits: Allows the user greatly enhanced reflexes and strength, improving mobility and combat effectiveness in close quarters.
 * Motion tracker: Shows movement of friendly and enemy units within the system's radius.
 * Biofoam injectors: Allow for physical injuries to be sealed and repaired without the use of external medkits.
 * Support Upgrades: These customized and specialized upgrades allow combat advantages by modifying the core and periphery systems of the GEN2.
 * Tactical Packages: These customized and specialized packages allow combat advantages by modifying the core and periphery systems of the GEN2.

Trivia

 * The way the GEN2 armor is equipped by UNSC Infinity's dedicated machinery onto its wearer is similar to the way the Iron Man armor is equipped in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It is also similar to the way Tychus Findlay receives his CMC powered armor in Starcraft II.
 * All non-essential Spartan-IV NPCs in Halo 4 are seen wearing full Recruit armor with steel primary color and gold secondary color.
 * The GEN2 armor seems to have the same shield strength as the armor of Noble Team. This is evidenced when compared to an elite's armor, which has consistent strength between games. For example: The DMR in Halo Reach takes 6 shots to kill an elite minor. It also takes 6 DMR shots to kill an elite minor in Halo 4. That being said, it takes only 5 DMR shots to kill both a Spartan III and a Spartan IV. A possible explanation is that energy is diverted to running and use of armor abilities.

List of appearances

 * Halo: Glasslands
 * Halo: The Thursday War
 * Halo 4