OPERATOR-class Mjolnir

OPERATOR refers to two distinct variants of Mjolnir armor. The GEN1 Operator variant, originally designed by Chalybs Defense Solutions, was designed for special forces within Beta-5 Division's Asymmetrical Action Group; while the GEN2 permutation designated Operator, manufactured by the Naphtali Contractor Corporation, is optimized for the operation of vehicles.

Design details
The Mark V variant of the armor was designed for use by Spartan operators within the ONI Beta-5 Division's Asymmetrical Action Group (AAG). The standard version of the helmet features a B5D-O/Optics suite, which is mounted on the forehead. The UA/HUL variant replaces the standard optics suite with an up-armor plate featuring a Hardened Uplink Module on the left side. Another variant, which is issued to unit commanders, features Command Network Module-Improved on the right side. The Operator systems's shoulder pauldrons are simply armored bands mounted on the user's base shoulder guards, with two string-like attachments descending from the bottom. There is a geometrical pattern emblazoned on the plate as well.

After the first wave of GEN2 systems, based on requests of veteran Spartan-II and Spartan-III operatives, the UNSC Ordnance Commission considered reassessing a refined and upgraded version of the Mark V EVA-class Mjolnir, specifically the customized suit worn by Emile-A239 complete with the death's head engraving on the visor. This led to the creation of the WRATH-class Mjolnir with the left shoulder pad based off the Mark V Operator's shoulders.

Development history
While the non-Spartan members of the Asymmetrical Action Group wear their own standard-issue armor, the Beta-5 Division contracted Chalybs Defense Solutions to develop a MJOLNIR variant designed to improve the performance of the AAG's Spartan personnel. The armor, which was jointly developed at the Beta-5 Division Ordnance Testing Facility and tested at Chalybs Testing Preserve, can provide the wearer with detailed, on-the-fly intelligence through secure transmissions that can bypass most Covenant security networks.

Following the Human-Covenant War, the GEN1 Operator helmet has been forced out of its former secrecy within Beta-5. Available in limited numbers with Spartan Operations personnel, the helmet could be requisitioned for use with the Spartans' GEN2 armor. As late as 2560, GEN1 Operator shoulders could still be requisitioned by Spartans, upgraded to be roughly equivalent to GEN3.

Usage
The Mark IV variant of the armor was worn by Joshua-029 during the Battle of Sigma Octanus IV. Although the Operator armor was used solely by ONI operatives in the Asymmetrical Action Group, Emile-A239, who operated under UNSC Army's Special Warfare Group Three, wore an Operator shoulder pauldron on his left shoulder.

Design details
The reactor of the GEN2 version of the OPERATOR armor is a low-set reactor pack. The helmet has a PV-20, which is a set of dual-locked rebreathers generally worn by pilots. The visor has an open visor view-plate for increased range of spectrum, with sensor fusion software that ties the info into the visor to be finalised. The chest has external harness bracers. Twin-release cables on the chest route energy expenditure to reserve systems.

Development history
Sometime after the Fall of Reach, the Operator armor was taken over by the Naphtali Contractor Corporation, after the abandonment of all CDS facilities on Meridian, and was tested extensively with live fire exercises in the NCC's abandoned shipyards on the outskirts of Abilene. Unlike its predecessor, it optimizes a Spartan for the operation and control of vehicles.

Usage
Operator armor has proven itself an adaptable combat ensemble in Spartan service, utilized by both pilots and force reconnaissance operatives.

The OPERATOR suit was notably used by Spartans Jason Kidman and Carlo Hoya, of Fireteams Shadow and Majestic, respectively, during the Requiem Campaign between 2557 and 2558. During Operation: VERTICAL UMBRAGE on February 14, Kidman used his OPERATOR suit to board the, Panom's Canticle, in a boarding action ultimately resulting in the ship's destruction.

Hoya continued to use his Operator suit following the conflict on Requiem throughout 2558.

Halo: Reach
"Developed exclusively for the ONI's Beta-5 Asymmetrical Action Group."

All Operator armor types are unlockable in the game's purchase system via the use of cR. In Halo: The Master Chief Collection, the Operator set is attainable in the Season 1: Noble progression system.

Halo 4
Operator was one of the armor permutations to return, albeit completely redesigned for GEN2, in Halo 4. Players need to first reach SR-50 to unlock Operator and seven other Specializations. Progression through the Operator Specialization ranks grant players with the Operator armor permutations, Operator multiplayer emblems (foregrounds and background), the Wheelman tactical package, and the Magnum STATIC (STC) weapon skin. In The Master Chief Collection, the Operator set, its Surface (SRFC) skin, and associated customizations are available by default.

Halo 5: Guardians
The Halo 4 design of Operator returns in Halo 5: Guardians. The helmet and body armor are unlockable through the Requisition system. The body armor includes the Operator chest and shoulders, the GV-09 Locking forearms and Contoured legs. The release of the Classic Helmet REQ pack on February 9, 2017 saw the addition of the Operator [GEN1] helmet, based on the design seen in Halo: Reach.

Halo Infinite - Upgraded GEN1
The Mark V Operator shoulders are available for multiplayer Spartan armor customization on the Mark V [B] armor core in Halo Infinite under the SAP series of shoulder pads.

Production notes

 * The GEN1 Operator helmet without its base attachment looks very similar to an updated concept art of the MJOLNIR armor drawn by Eddie Smith which is featured in The Art of Halo.
 * In Halo Online's pre-alpha build, the GEN2 Operator was named PILOT-class Mjolnir. This armor was planned to be in the Halo: The Master Chief Collection version of Halo 3, but was never added.

List of appearances

 * Halo: Reach
 * Halo 4
 * Halo: Initiation
 * Halo: Escalation
 * Halo: Fleet Battles
 * Halo 5: Guardians
 * Halo Mythos
 * Halo Infinite