MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor: Difference between revisions

Before Dr. Halsey initiated Project MJOLNIR, the [[UNSC Navy]] had developed various designs and prototypes for powered exoskeletons and armour systems, including the [[Mark I prototype exoskeleton|Mark I exoskeleton]],<ref name="FoR3">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 71'', (2001 edition) ''page 81'', (definitive edition) ''page 90'' (2010 edition)</ref> the [[Mark III exoskeleton]],{{Ref/Book|Id=EVGCyclops|EVG|Pg=44}} [[ORION armor]],{{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}} and [[HRUNTING Mark I]].{{Ref/Reuse|journal1}} Halsey reviewed this previous work during the early stages of planning for Project: MJOLNIR, but ultimately chose to start from scratch, due to limitations with the previous antiquated designs.{{Ref/Reuse|journal1}}{{Ref/Reuse|FoR3}}  

The initial genesis of what would become Project: MJOLNIR can be traced back to as early as [[2511]]. By that year, Halsey was in communication with [[UNSC rank structure|Vice Admiral]] [[Michael Stanforth|Hieronymus Stanforth]] regarding the production of an armour system to complement the SPARTAN-II program, and had begun to brainstorm names for the project. In July, she penned an entry in her [[Dr. Halsey's personal journal|personal journal]] speculating that the [[Wikipedia:Piezoelectricity|reverse piezoelectric effect]] could be used to produce a bodysuit that enhanced the wearer's strength, by causing the suit to intelligently deform in response to the wearer's nerve impulses, adding extra force to their movements.{{Ref/Reuse|journal1}} This would become one of the defining features of MJOLNIR armour.

Work on Project: MJOLNIR would not begin in earnest until [[2515]], however, four years later.{{Ref/Reuse|ENCY}} The armour underwent significant iteration in the decade following, with at least three distinct prototype platforms emerging before the first production model - what would come to be known as Mark IV - was finalised. Mark IV was put into production in mid-[[2525]] and issued to the surviving SPARTAN-II candidates in November of that year.{{Ref/Reuse|FoR2}}{{Ref/Reuse|ENCY}}

Initially, MJOLNIR was envisaged as an evolving platform, constantly and continuously updated with the latest technology as it became available. After a full decade, however, the Office of Naval Intelligence decided that it was no longer possible to facilitate this approach, much to Halsey's chagrin. In [[2535]], they mandated that MJOLNIR adopt a generational categorisation system, for the purposes of serialisation and prioritisation, and as a means of fiscal oversight. Despite her reservations, Halsey agreed to the introduction of such a system, and produced a roadmap for future generations of the armour, in the hopes that it would "keep the accountants out of [her] hair and [her] work". The system devoted Marks I, II and III to prototype platforms produced between 2515 and 2525, while categorising all production models of MJOLNIR up until that point as Mark IV. Three further planned iterations, Marks V, VI and VII, were included in the roadmap, complete with rough technical specifications.<ref name="journal2">'''Dr. Halsey's personal journal''' ''January 7, 2535''</ref>

Initiated in [[2515]], the Mark I took a significant amount of time to develop,{{Ref/Reuse|ENCY}}{{Ref/Note|The 2009 and 2011 editions of the ''Halo Encyclopedia'' state that it took a decade to develop the MJOLNIR Mark I. However, given that development of MJOLNIR only began in 2515, and that Mark IV was submitted to evaluation for mass production in February 2525, this would leave only 2 months for Mark II, III and IV to be produced. Given the implausibility of this, and the fact that the 2009 and 2011 ''Halo Encyclopediae'' are known to be frequently inaccurate, this article chooses to ignore this stated timeframe.}} but was bulky, unwieldy and needed to be tethered to a power source due to the tremendous amount of energy needed to power it. This caused the system's downfall, as it required a physical connection to a fusion generator at all times when operated. The Mark I prototype improved the strength and stamina of the wearer and allowed the user to lift two tons (4,000 pounds) and run at 32&nbsp;km/h (19.88&nbsp;mph) for extended periods of time. The Mark I contained a cutting-edge onboard computer that could assist the wearer by transmitting tactical and communications information to the standard neural implant issued to a soldier, though the suit did not possess the ability to carry an AI.{{Ref/Reuse|ENCY}}

Research and development for the Mark I was carried out at Section Three's headquarters inside [[CASTLE Base]] on [[Reach]], though the final assembly of components occurred at the [[Damascus Materials Testing Facility]] on [[Chi Ceti IV]]. At least forty Mark I suits were produced, but the model was ultimately scrapped, and they never saw use in battle.{{Ref/Reuse|ENCY}}  

The Mark II was similar to the Mark I, but it had a slimmer profile which greatly increased mobility. However, the suit still needed to be tethered to a fusion generator, so despite being the most powerful piece of military hardware of its time, it was still impractical for battlefield deployment. The Mark II included a refractive coating to help disperse heat from explosive attacks, and improved self-sealing systems in the event of damage while the unit was in vacuum.{{Ref/Reuse|ENCY}}  

The Mark III was the first iteration to incorporate a wireless power receiver so that power could be transmitted directly to it, via [[broadcast power]]. This design was quickly rejected for two reasons: first, the armor still had a limited operational range as it had to remain within range of a bulky, immobile [[generator]]. Second, if the generator was disabled or destroyed, the suit would become inoperable, leaving its user locked inside the now-useless shell, helpless against enemy attacks. In the end, all of the first three prototypes had one thing in common: they were impractical on the battlefield, as their range was severely limited by the lack of a mobile power source.{{Ref/Reuse|ENCY}}

MJOLNIR [GEN3] is the planned third generation of Mjolnir armor. Existing as of yet at the conceptual stages, the [GEN3] design framework incorporates lessons learned from [GEN2] line of Mjolnir, while also seeking to restore some of the favorable characteristics of the [GEN1] line. The MJOLNIR [GEN1] Mark VII is being used as the testbed for the [GEN3] improvements.{{Ref/Reuse|HOSFM}}

[[File:H4-MJOLNIR-Skinsuit.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI|MJOLNIR Mark VI]]'s nanocomposite bodysuit.]]

File:HTV-SilverTeam3.png|[[Silver Team]] wearing various suits of Mjolnir Mark VI in ''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''.