MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V: Difference between revisions

{{Status|Canon}}

|image={{tabcontainer|title1=GEN2|content1=[[File:H4 MJOLNIR Mark V.png|300px]]|title2=GEN1|content2=[[File:HFR John Render Front.png|350px]]}}

|manufacturer=[[Materials Group]]

|testsite=[[Damascus Testing Facility]]

|type=[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]]

|features=[[Energy shielding]]<br>Memory-processor superconductor layer<br>Automatic biofoam injectors

{{Quote|This—is everything I had always dreamed it could be.|Dr. [[Catherine Halsey]]}}

The '''MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V''' was the second major version of the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]] series.<!-- The exoskeletons that preceded MJOLNIR were not actually part of the MJOLNIR line. They were retroactively included at ONI's insistence.--> The initial version of the Mark V [[powered exoskeleton]], designated as [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V(B)|Mark V [B]]],<ref name="enc94">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 94'' (2011 edition)</ref> was issued to the [[SPARTAN-II program|SPARTAN-IIs]] and several [[SPARTAN-III program|SPARTAN-III commandos]] on [[2551|November 24, 2551]],<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_012910 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update, 1/29/10'']</ref> while the second version of the armor was unveiled for [[Operation: RED FLAG]] on [[2552#August|August 29, 2552]].<ref name="vis">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 119''</ref><ref name="enc">'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe (2011)''', ''page 97''</ref>{{Ref/Note|''Halo: The Fall of Reach'' and ''Halo Waypoint''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s ''MJOLNIR Project 2'' video state that the Mark V was issued on August 29, 2552. However, a number of later sources, including the aforementioned Weekly Update, Dr. Halsey's personal journal, the 2011 edition of the ''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe'', and ''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide'' retcon this, clearly stating that the Mark V was issued on November 24, 2551. The two latter sources reveal that the suit issued in November 2551 was a prototype of the one issued in August 2552, explaining its noticeably different appearance in ''Halo: Reach''. While John-117 indeed tested the performance of the second-generation Mark V system, ONI was actually evaluating the Spartan-AI pairing made possible by the second-generation Mark V suit.}} The Mark V armor was in service until [[2552#October|October 2552]], when it was replaced by the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI|MJOLNIR Mark VI]].<ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Armory]]''</ref> It could still be requisitioned by [[SPARTAN-IV program|SPARTAN-IV]] personnel as late as [[2558|October 2558]], albeit upgraded to function with the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN2)|MJOLNIR [GEN2]]] suite.<ref>'''[[Halo 4]]'''</ref><ref name="H5G">'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''' ''- Mark V Alpha armory description''</ref>  

In [[2542]], seventeen years after the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV|MJOLNIR Mark IV]] entered service, production began on the next generation of MJOLNIR armor. A team under the leadership of Chief Scientist [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]] would spend the next ten years developing the suit. Using data collected from the Mark IV, hundreds of minor technical improvements and several major changes were made to the Mark V; most notably, the suit's armor plating underwent a total redesign and better materials were developed for its use. Separating the Mark V from the previous version of the system were two major breakthroughs in the ways in which the suit improves its wearer's combat effectiveness.{{Ref/Reuse|enc}}

The first major breakthrough, which was introduced with the first generation of the Mark V, was the addition of a self-recharging [[Energy shielding#Human energy shielding|energy shield]] system, reverse-engineered from captured [[Kig-yar point defense gauntlet]]s,<ref name="ReferenceA">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page ???''</ref> which repel objects and energy bursts, plus any other hazardous elemental energies. While impacts on the shield place a substantial drain on the system's power supply, the system's energy regenerates once the user is no longer under fire. However, the adaptation of the shield covering the entire body weakens the magnetic field, making the Mark V's shield system vulnerable to sustained fire. Energy shield technology was first tested on the Mark IV, though such tests were not especially successful.{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}<ref>Dr. Halsey's personal journal</ref>

The second major advancement, which was not implemented until the second generation of the suit,{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Reuse|enc}} was the addition of a layer of computer memory superconductor that would allow an [[artificial intelligence]] to piggyback into the field with the operator to both provide and gather real-time intelligence. The synthesis of an artificial intelligence with a human brain is not possible without an upgrade to the user's already-specialized [[SPARTAN neural interface|neural interface]]. Like the standard neural interface, the specialized neural lace translates electrochemical signals to digital code and routes them through an interface connection at the rear of the skull. Through this interface, the user's thoughts command the armor's movement and weapons, and input from the on-board sensors is fed directly to the user's mind. In addition, an AI personality and processing matrix can be carried by the armor and delivered to the suit via the specialized neural lace and on-board storage in a crystal data chip no larger than a personal credit card. Without the armor, a Spartan's reaction time is charted at twenty milliseconds; with the Mark V, and an AI on-board, the time required to translate thought into motion is rendered almost instantaneous.

In its second phase, the Mark V MJOLNIR battle armor weighs 321.3 kilograms,<ref name="DD5">[[Data Drop]] [[Data Drop/Five|Five]]</ref> The SPARTAN/MJOLNIR combination is designed to be the most devastating intelligence tool ever created, as the AI can greatly increase the wearer's reaction time and vastly improve intelligence gathering capacity.

[[John-117]] was the first Spartan to test the second-generation MJOLNIR Mark V with a smart AI implemented within the armor during a "live-fire" combat scenario.{{Ref/Reuse|vis}} His test was to [[Ring the Bell|ring a bell]] after going through an obstacle course. This course involved ten [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]]s, a minefield with [[Lotus anti-tank mine]]s, three automated 30mm chain guns, a forest of wooden poles, and an unexpected [[SkyHawk]] jumpjet utilizing four 50mm cannons and [[Scorpion missile]]s. This test showed that an AI could vastly improve the armor's reaction times.{{Ref/Reuse|ReferenceA}}

 

==Armor variants==

As of [[2560]], the Mark V has been upgraded to function with the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN3)|MJOLNIR [GEN3]]] suite.

*'''Linear accelerator''' - Doubles the strength of the energy shield system and allows the MJOLNIR to take more hits before failing.{{Ref/Reuse|Strike}}

*'''Image enhancing computer''' - Better visual display on the MJOLNIR's heads-up display.{{Ref/Reuse|Strike}}

*'''Improved tracking system''' - Better tracking system on the MJOLNIR'S heads-up display, which improved accuracy at distances up to a thousand meters.{{Ref/Reuse|Strike}}

*'''Improved motion sensors''' - Improves sensitivity readings on the motion tracker allowing for more accurate readings.{{Ref/Reuse|Strike}}

In addition, the Mark V armor supports different types of additional attachments, which enable [[Armor abilities|various abilities]]. Some of these may be related to the add-ons described above. The armor is also compatible with various types of propulsion equipment, such as [[thruster pack]]s and [[Series 8 jetpack]]s.

*'''[[Armor Abilities#Active Camouflage|Active camouflage emitter]]''' - The active camouflage plug-in can make the user nearly invisible for brief periods of time. As a drawback, the more the user moves, the more visible they becomes. In addition, all sound is muffled to the user while the camo is engaged, and the motion sensor is rendered virtually inoperative.

*'''Helmet''': The helmet is one of the most crucial aspects of the MJOLNIR system. It is made of [[titanium]] and contains key features like a heads-up display that links to the brain and hands, and can identify equipment and display information about it when it is picked up by the wearer. The helmet also contains other equipment to protect and aid the user in hostile conditions. This includes filters to remove toxins from the atmosphere, a supply to provide air to the wearer during EVA, thermal and motion sensors, communications, solar-powered lighting, and imaging and video gear. The helmet also contains the AI housing, where a ship-borne AI chip can be inserted, located on the back of the helmet. The Mark V helmet is an upgraded version of the Mark IV helmet, modified to function with the Mark V's energy shield systems,<ref>'''Halo: Reach''', ''[[Armor customization (Halo: Reach)|Armory]]''</ref> though, like the rest of the Mark V system, it likely incorporates several other changes as well. The helmet supports various external upgrades, such as a Command Network Module and Up-Armor plating.

*'''[[Polymerized lithium niobocene|Reactive crystal layer]]''': Sandwiched between the external armor and the internal padding is a layer of piezoelectric material that deforms along a preferred axis when exposed to an electric charge. When creating the suit, the liquid crystal material is poured into a capillary system where electric charges can direct the formation of crystal geometries.<ref>'''[[Dr. Halsey's Personal Journal]]''', ''September 1, 2525''</ref> This layer acts as synthetic muscle, allowing the Spartan access to approximately twice their normal strength.  This is not due to a "Leverage Effect", but rather having the mechanical systems performing in tandem; relative to their biologically augmented operators.

*'''Memory-processor superconductor layer''': A layer relatively new to the MJOLNIR line, introduced with the Mark V, that is capable of housing an A.I.  Comprised of the same material as a starship's A.I. system, this layer allows an A.I. to travel with a soldier into the field.  The A.I. can then aid the soldier in software intrusion, hardware hacking, and espionage by listening to enemy chatter.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 286''</ref>  As a side note, this layer is often confused with the Reactive Metal Liquid Crystal layer, which due to the latter's piezoelectric properties is impossible.

*'''[[Energy shielding#Human Energy Shielding|Energy shields]]''': First used on the Mark V, and later refined on the Mark VI, the energy shield device is reverse engineered from Covenant technology. Beginning in 2532<ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', "Chapter 3", ''page 89''</ref> forty scientists and technicians would spend the next twenty years attempting to make some use of the technology. For decades the attempts at cracking their technology had met with failure after failure; some had given up and others in the scientific community believed the energy shield technology could never be cracked. However at some point before 2552 a breakthrough was made and for the first time the UNSC had successfully cracked and improved upon the technology.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 249''</ref>

*'''[[Biofoam|Automatic biofoam injectors]]''': Biofoam injectors are an integral component of the systems that keep a SPARTAN-II functioning in battle even after injuries which would otherwise incapacitate the wearer.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 244'' (2003)</ref>{{Ref/Note|The subsequent Mark VI generation's automatic biofoam injectors supposedly serve as the fictional explanation for the player's regenerating [[health]] in ''Halo 2'', while the non-regenerating health in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and ''Halo: Reach'' seemingly suggests that the injectors were not present in the Mark V suit. However, this is merely a gameplay-related change as ''Halo: First Strike'' establishes that the Mark V was equipped with biofoam injectors.}} Biofoam is a medical gel that is used to fill and seal a wound automatically as well as to treat any infection that could occur as a result of the wound.

 

*'''Fusion reactor''': The fusion reactor is the most essential part of the MJOLNIR system, as it provides power to all equipment used by the 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 battery pack that conventional marines carry around.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 114''; ''page 248''</ref>

*'''Lock-down system''': The lock-down system protects muscles and joints from traumatic, high-impact injuries by seizing the suit into a rigid posture through modifying the density of the hydrostatic gel layer.<ref>'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[Arrival]]''</ref><ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 91''</ref><ref>'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[Tip of the Spear]]''</ref><ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLmtVh_bmhs '''YouTube''': ''Halo Reach Legendary Edition Developer Commentary Part 4'']</ref>

==Performance and durability==

The Mark V armor was a major upgrade from the previous version of MJOLNIR armor. With the inclusion of energy shielding, this iteration of MJOLNIR is extremely resistant to not just gunfire and explosions, but plasma weaponry as well. While [[John-117]] was field testing Mark V MJOLNIR on [[Reach]] in [[2552]], his armor's shields were not only able to take the hits from multiple 30mm chain guns, but it was also able to withstand the blast from a [[Scorpion missile]].<ref>'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]] - Definitive Edition''', ''pages 301-302, 304-305''</ref>

 

During the [[Fall of Reach]], the Mark V armor worn by the Spartan IIs of Red team was able to sustain the lives of most them and even keep functioning after hitting the ground at terminal velocity.<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]] - Definitive Edition''', ''22 - 24''</ref> However, the armor of the survivors suffered damage. [[Frederic-104]] had to replace a broken pressure seal using one taken from the armor of deceased Spartan [[Malcolm-059]].<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]] - Definitive Edition''', ''page 31''</ref> Doctor Halsey later had the surviving Spartans recover armor parts that were being field-tested from [[CASTLE Base]] to replace the damaged components of Fred, [[William-043]], [[Kelly-087]], [[Vinh-030]] and [[Isaac-039]].<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]] - Definitive Edition''', ''pages 152, 171-172''</ref>

 

During the [[Battle of Installation 04]], John-117's Mark V armor was able to withstand the "wash" from an off-target plasma bolt from a [[Mgalekgolo]]'s [[assault cannon]].<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', Chapter 6, ''page 167'' (2003 paperback);''page 186'' (2010 paperback)</ref> Later during the battle, [[Cortana]] is able to adjust the suit's shield system to deliver an [[EMP]] to knock out [[Installation 04]]'s [[phase pulse generator]]s when John steps into them. The EMP briefly drains John's shields each time. She later uses the armor's power supply to power a jump using the installation's [[teleportation grid]] from the vicinity of the Control Room to the ''[[Truth and Reconciliation]]''. Cortana stated a belief that doing so wouldn't permanently damage the suit's power supply, but wasn't entirely sure and believed that they should only try it once.{{Ref/Level|CE|[[Two Betrayals]]}}{{Ref/Novel|TF|Chapter=10}} One of the problems that was later listed by a [[Unidentified master gunnery sergeant|gunnery sergeant]] was a fried power source, something that the teleportation presumably contributed to.{{Ref/Reuse|Heretic}}

During the [[Skirmish over Threshold]], due to damage from a plasma blast to the armor's chest at relatively close range with the shot raising the armor's internal temperature to over sixty degrees Celsius, John's armor's energy shields were knocked off-line and unable to recharge. Furthermore, due to damage from a [[Stealth Sangheili]]'s [[Type-1 energy sword]], the armor was breached. However, the armor was able to function fine without the shields and breached, though John was forced to adjust his tactics to match his lack of shields. A [[Huragok]] was later able to repair the damage to the shield system and restore the energy shields on the orders of [[Cortana]].<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]] - Definitive Edition''', ''pages 90-96 103-106, 112-120''</ref> The suit itself was later repaired at some point which allowed John to take part in a zero-gee operation on the hull of the ''[[Ascendant Justice]]'' where John's suit and that of the rest of [[Blue Team]] saved them from a near-miss from a Covenant [[plasma torpedo]], though [[Anton-044]] and [[Li-008]] were vaporized from a direct hit by the torpedo. The near-miss severely damaged the armor of the surviving Spartans, but Doctor Halsey was able to repair it.<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]] - Definitive Edition''', ''pages 264-270''</ref>

During [[Operation: FIRST STRIKE]], a [[Jiralhanae]] was able to break through John's shields through brute force and strangle him within the armor. Even with the Jiralhanae strangling him, the armor's shields still began to recharge. Once they reached one-quarter charged, John was able to combine the repulsive force generated by the shield and his own training to break free and kill the Jiralhanane.<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]] - Definitive Edition''', ''pages 373-375''</ref>

However, the armor had limits to its durability. Shortly before the [[Battle for Earth]], ''[[Cairo Station (station)|Cairo Station's]]'' [[Unidentified master gunnery sergeant|Master Gunnery Sergeant]] told John that his plating was about to fail, there was viscosity throughout the gel layer, the optics were totally fried ''"and let's not even talk about the power supply,"'' suggesting that the stress that was put on the armor from the Battle of Installation 04 and the following conflicts as well as the damage that was accumulated during those conflicts had damaged John's suit beyond repair by the time that he had reached Earth.{{Ref/Level|Id=Heretic|H2|[[The Heretic]]}} However, by this point, John's Mark V was obsolete and it was replaced by the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI|Mark VI]].{{Ref/Level|H2|[[The Armory]]}}

 

===''Halo 3'' - GEN1===

The second version of the Mark V helmet is the only part of the armor available to the player, it is unlocked by getting the [[UNSC Spartan]] [[achievement]].

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 75%;"

! style="width: 15%"|Helmet

! style="width: 55%"|Description

! style="width: 15%"|Unlock requirements (''Halo 3'')

! style="width: 15%"|Unlock requirements (''Halo: MCC'')

|rowspan=4|[[File:HTMCC H3 MarkV Menu Render.png|100px]]<br/>Mark V

|align="left"|'''Helmet:''' Originally issued in August 2542, all extant Mark V helmets have been upgraded with current-issue internal components and software.

|rowspan=4|Reach the rank of {{Rank/H3|sgt|1|grade}} (''[[UNSC Spartan]]'')

|rowspan=4|Unlocked by default.

|align="left"|'''MCC:''' All extant MARK V helmets have been upgraded with current-issue components.

===''Halo: Reach'' - GEN1===

{{Quote|Issued in November 2551, this helmet is fully compatible with all current armor systems.}}

The first version of the Mark V helmet and shoulder pauldrons are available as [[Armor customization (Halo: Reach)|armor permutations]] in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''. The helmet is first able to be viewed at the [[Rank (Halo: Reach)|rank]] of Captain, and is purchasable at Lt. Colonel.

! style="width: 15%"|Unlock requirements (''Halo: Reach'')

! style="width: 15%"|Unlock requirements (''Halo: MCC'')

|[[File:HR MarkV Helmet Icon.png|75px]]<br/>Mark V

|[[File:HTMCC H4 MarkV Helmet Icon.png|75px]]<br/>Helmet

|align="center" rowspan="5"|'''Description (H4 and MCC):''' Favored by some Spartan-IVs due to its classic simplicity and unparalleled reputation.<br/>

|[[Series 7: Elite|Series 7]] Tier 2, {{SeasonPoint|1}}

|[[File:HTMCC H4 MarkV Chest Icon.png|75px]]<br/>Chest

|[[File:HTMCC H4 MarkV RShoulder Icon.png|75px]][[File:HTMCC H4 MarkV LShoulder Icon.png|75px]]<br/>Shoulders

|[[Series 7: Elite|Series 7]] Tier 55, {{SeasonPoint|1}}

|- align="center"

|[[File:HTMCC H4 MarkV ForearmIcon.png|75px]]<br/>Forearms

|[[File:HTMCC H4 MarkV Leg Icon.png|75px]]<br/>Legs

The Mark V helmet, its attachments, and an accompanying set of shoulders were made available for [[multiplayer]] Spartan [[Armor customization (Halo Infinite)|armor customization]] in ''[[Halo Infinite]]''. The Mark V helmet became available to unlock during the [[Winter Update]], as the final unlock within the season's pass. The shoulders are available under the [[SAP attachments|SAP series of shoulder pads]] on the [[B-class Mjolnir|Mark V [B] armor core]] through the [[Season 01: Heroes of Reach]] battle pass. [[Season 05: Reckoning]] added the ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' Mark V as an armor kit on the [[Mark VII]] core.

|-

|align="center"|[[File:HINF Mark V Helmet Icon.png|75px]]<br/>MARK V

|The MARK V project began as a reference design by Materials Group; a technical blueprint that other manufacturers could adapt for their own MJOLNIR patterns.

|Compatible with almost all MJOLNIR generations and variants.

|align="center"|[[File:HINF-CursedGuardLshoulder.png|75px]][[File:HINF-CursedGuardRshoulder.png|75px]]<br/>Cursed Guard

|align="center"|[[File:HINF-CEMarkV.png|75px]]<br/>Combat Evolved Mark V

== Production notes ==

During the early development stages of ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'', John-117 wore the first-generation Mark V armor seen in ''Halo: Reach''<nowiki/>'s armor permutations,<ref name="bts">[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/featured/video/bts-anniversary-campaign/8a902cd8-dc45-4a35-88ae-39ba04ba8a41 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''BTS: Anniversary Campaign'']</ref> though he had canonically already upgraded to the second-generation version. In the final game, he wears a second-generation suit, like he wears in the original game and in canon, which appears greatly different from the first-generation suit seen in ''Halo: Reach''. While this conflicts with his appearance in the cryo Easter egg from ''Halo: Reach'', his armor is not meant to be seen in any great detail in the Easter egg, making this discrepancy inconsequential.

 

During the development of ''Halo: Reach'', what was to labeled as the FJ/PARA knee guards were often used as if they were standard Mark V knee guards, given the fact that the player's character was often wearing them. For unknown reasons, towards the end of the game's development cycle, these knee guards were established as a secondary type rather than the base type, which was added during this period of time. The concept art of the Mark V for ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' had the armor's knee guards being noticeably larger than the final character model's, which were reduced in size and function to being somewhat square plates of metal partially wrapping around the knee. In the context of ''Halo: Reach'', the earlier concept art and abandoned ''Halo 3''-era revisions closely resemble the knee guards of the Grenadier variant. However, despite any of the visual similarities, neither these concepts or their predecessors match the movement qualities of all four knee guard sets in ''Halo: Reach''.

File:Kelly MkV.png|[[Kelly-087]] wearing the Mark V armor during the [[Onyx Conflict]].

File:SpartanChief.png|The Spartan-IIs' initial MJOLNIR Mark V armor.

File:HR - Mark V Spartan with ODST.png|A Mark V-clad Spartan alongside an ODST on [[Installation 04 (map)|Installation 04]].

*''[[Halo 2]]'' {{C|Various armor components}}

{{Ref/Sources|2}}

{{Armor|Human}}

{{Armor/Permutation|H3|HR|H4|H5G|HI}}

{{Navbox/Universe/Mjolnir|Overview|GEN1|GEN2}}

[[Category:MJOLNIR armor]]

[[Category:Halo 3 multiplayer armor permutations]]