MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI: Difference between revisions

|image = [[File:MJOLNIR Mark VI.png|300px]]

|manufacturer = [[Materials Group]]<ref name="H4EG"/>

|testsite = SWC, [[Songnam]], [[Korea]]<ref name="H4EG"/>

|type = [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|MJOLNIR (GEN1)]]

|role = General combat

|weight =  

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

== Overview ==

== Variants and compatibility ==

=== GEN1 ===

==== Mark V prototype ====

==== Variants ====

* '''[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/A variant|MJOLNIR/A]]''' - Rogue - One of several armor sets made by private companies, a trend that would become standard with GEN2.

* '''[[ARGUS-class Mjolnir|MJOLNIR/Argus]]''' - Argus - Variant with an increase in situational and threat awareness.

* '''[[CQB-class Mjolnir|MJOLNIR/C]]''' - CQB - Designed specifically for close combat by making joints more mobile and including additional attachments for additional close quarters equipment.

* '''[[CENTURION-class Mjolnir|MJOLNIR/Centurion]]''' - Centurion - Variant worn designed to test new technology.

* '''[[EOD-class Mjolnir|MJOLNIR/EOD]]''' - EOD - A variant designed for [[wikipedia:Bomb disposal|explosive ordnance disposal]].

* '''[[HOPLITE-class Mjolnir|MJOLNIR/Hoplite]]''' - Hoplite - Features targeting and datalink advancements to improve the accuracy and lethality of Spartans utilizing long-range heavy munitions such as the [[M41 SPNKR|M41 rocket launcher]].

* '''[[SECURITY-class Mjolnir|MJOLNIR/M]]''' - Security - Privately manufactured variant designed for security personnel.

* '''[[ODST armor|MJOLNIR/ODST]]''' - The Mark V is compatible with several parts of the ODST armor, including the helmet, chest-piece, and shoulder pauldrons.

* '''[[RECON-class Mjolnir|MJOLNIR/R]]''' - Recon - A variant specialized for reconnaissance missions, developed parallel to the ''S'' variant.  

* '''[[SCOUT-class Mjolnir|MJOLNIR/S]]''' - Scout - A variant with limited stealth capabilities, developed parallel to the ''R'' variant.

* '''[[EVA-class Mjolnir|MJOLNIR/V]]''' - EVA - Variant that specialized to improve survivability of Spartans when performing extra-vehicular activity in vacuum.

==== Mark V upgrade ====

==== John-117's upgraded Mark VI ====

The Mark VI Mjolnir armor worn by MCPO [[John-117]] following the end of the Human-Covenant War was updated by UNSC AI [[Cortana]] during his four years and seven months of cryosleep aboard the {{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}}. Cortana used [[nanotechnology|minifacturing]] and diagnostic systems to repair and alter John's armor. This armor closely resembles an earlier line of Mark IV armor.<ref name="ScienceOfHalo">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjswoU39AOY '''YouTube''' - ''The Science Behind The Halo Series'']</ref><ref name="h4evg">'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 10''</ref><ref name="Halo Canon">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2geKWjvhPY '''Halo Canon''' - ''Interview'']</ref> She also rewrote the suit's firmware, altering the HUD as well as improving the suit's shield-recharge rate and its compatibility with Covenant and Forerunner [[Armor abilities|armor plugins]].<ref>'''Halo 4''', campaign level ''[[Dawn]]''</ref> This armor was damaged during the [[Skirmish on Installation 03]] and replaced by a similar [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN2)|GEN2 Mjolnir armor]] variant.<ref name="grimt">[https://twitter.com/GrimBrotherOne/status/782402924353757184 '''Jeff Easterling's Twitter''' - ''GEN2; in Escalation'']</ref>

=== GEN2-related variants ===

==== Mark VI GEN2 testing variant ====

This Mark VI looks similar to the hybrid GEN2/Mark VI [GEN1] armor, although it uses a slightly different techsuit from the mainline GEN2 armor.<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/p/y79tu0CRUW/?taken-by=hmcc_spartans '''Instagram''' - ''hmcc_spartans'']</ref>

=== GEN2 ===

==== Variants ====

* '''Hybrid GEN2/Mark VI [Gen 1]'''

* '''GEN2 Mark VI'''

* '''GEN2 Mark VI MOD'''

Following the [[Mission to Installation 03]], John-117 upgraded to the GEN2 platform.<ref name="grimt"/><ref name="warfare">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-conventional-warfare '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Conventional Warfare'']</ref> This suit is designated Mark VI MOD.<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians Limited Edition''', ''Spartan Locke's classified orders''</ref> The upgrade was made by [[Office of Naval Intelligence|ONI]]'s [[Watershed Division]].<ref>https://mobile.twitter.com/GrimBrotherOne/status/791063783280025601</ref>

== Armor components ==

* '''Inner skinsuit''': The inner skinsuit is made of a moisture-absorbing synthetic material linked to an environmental control computer and the occupant's neural interface. It controls the suit's temperature and actively changes how the suit fits the user.<ref name="FoR3">'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''', ''page 71'', (2001 edition) ''page 81'', (definitive edition) ''page 90'' (2010 edition)</ref>  

* '''Integrated communications helmet''':<ref>'''Halo 3''' - ''Mjolnir Mark VI helmet description''</ref><ref name="armory">'''[[Halo: Reach]]''', ''Armory description''</ref> The ICH is one of the most vital aspects of the MJOLNIR system. It is made of [[Titanium]], contains key features like a [[Heads Up Display]], and can identify equipment and display information about it when it is picked up by the wearer. Another feature is the direct neural interface system, which connects to a Spartan's neural implants. Two core processor chips are implanted into the subject's skull at the rear of the head. This is essentially comparable to an on board computer using parts of the human brain for processing - when the connector at the rear of the subject's head and receptors in the brain link to the helmet's on board sensors it creates the neural link needed to move the MJOLNIR suit. The helmet also contains equipment to protect the user in hostile conditions, such as filters to remove toxins from the atmosphere, an oxygen supply to provide air to the wearer during EVA, thermal and motion trackers, radio communicators, solar-powered lighting, and imaging and video gear. The helmet also contains an AI housing located on the back of the helmet.

* '''Titanium alloy outer shell''': The outer shell of the Mjolnir armor is comprised of a fairly thick titanium alloy. This plating covers the chest, arms, hip, legs, calves, feet and hands. This alloy is very resilient, can take significant damage, and is nearly impervious to small arms fire. While enough shots from armor piercing rounds will breach the outer shell, the suit can take a few glancing blows from them without compromising the armor. The outer shell of the all Mjolnir suits is covered with a refractive coating to help disperse the heat experienced from Covenant energy weapons. However one or two direct hits from any Plasma weapon will compromise the armor plating.

* '''Titanium nanocomposite bodysuit''': Sandwiched between the external armor and the internal padding is a thick black armored bodysuit. This suit has numerous functions, small but vital to the safety and survival of the wearer. The bodysuit is made of a titanium-based material, making it very strong and yet very flexible. It also serves as another layer of protection against ballistics attacks and is coated with a heat resistant material to disperse heat from plasma weapons.

* '''[[Hydrostatic gel]]''': Underneath the armored bodysuit is a gel-filled layer, this gel layer regulates the temperature of the suit and can re actively change its density to conform to the wearer's shape - the temperature inside the suit is controlled by the moisture absorbing cloth suit underneath the hydrostatic layer. The hydrostatic gel layer can also be pressurized to various levels to potentially save the wearers life should the wearer be subjected to high G forces or a high velocity impact; however, over-pressurizing this layer can cause [[wikipedia:nitrogen embolism|nitrogen embolism]]s.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''' ''Page 13''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''' ''Chapter 1, page 36''</ref>

* '''[[Polymerized lithium niobocene|Reactive metal liquid 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. This layer acts as synthetic muscle, allowing the Spartan access to approximately five times their unarmored strength when using the Mark VI due to new optimization of the crystalline geometries.<ref name= "H4EG">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 157''</ref><ref name="ENC91"/>

* '''Memory-processor superconductor layer''': A layer relatively new to the Mjolnir line, introduced with the Mark V, that is capable of housing an AI. Comprised of the same material as a starship's AI system, this layer allows an AI to travel with a soldier into the field.  The AI 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>

* '''Magnetic weapon holder strips''': Powerful magnets are placed on the legs, waist, and back of the suit to hold any equipment with a magnetic property. The suit also contains a magnet system on the boots of the MJOLNIR suit that allow its wearer to stay attached to a metal surface in Zero G environments and can be toggled on or off by the wearer.

* '''[[Energy shielding#Human energy shielding|Energy shields]]''': First tested with the Mark IV, made standard with the Mark V, and later refined with the Mark VI, the energy shield device is reversed engineered from Covenant technology. Beginning prior to [[2531]], forty scientists and technicians would spend the next two decades 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]]''' ''Chapter 27, page 249''</ref>

* '''[[Pressure seal]]''': The pressure seal is a vital component to the MJOLNIR system, it keeps the system airtight, underwater or in space. The seal is very strong and will only break under extreme pressure, such as in a high velocity impact or when the hydrostatic gel has been over pressurized.

* '''[[Biofoam|Automatic biofoam injectors]]''': Biofoam injectors are an integral part of the systems that keep a SPARTAN-II functioning in battle. Biofoam is a medical gel that is used to fill and seal a wound automatically, it is also used 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 on 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 fusion pack used by Marines.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''' ''Chapter 13, page 114; chapter 27, page 248''</ref>

* '''[[Force-multiplying circuit]]s''': Located throughout the armor, these systems boost the force applied by the user. They make hand-to-hand combat easier, but also make the armor difficult to adjust to; a slight motion can be translated into a potentially harmful one if not conducted correctly. For this reason it is only possible for Spartans to use this armor, as their strengthened bodies are able to withstand the increased power and speed of movement, which, in un-augmented human bodies, results in broken bones or death, due to spasms caused by the pain of broken bones.

* '''[[Reactive circuit]]s''': Reactive Circuits are systems installed directly linked to the [[Spartan neural interface]]. They amplify the wearer's reaction time by connecting directly to the thoughts of the wearer, making it much easier to control and allowing for the soldier to be both more efficient and have a higher survival rate in combat.

* '''[[MJOLNIR power supply control unit|Power supply control unit]]''': Manages the power supply of the armor.

* '''[[Mark VI BIOS|MJOLNIR Mark VI BIOS]]''': The basic input/output system, standard firmware interface for the Mark VI.

* '''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 name="ENC91"/><ref>''Halo 3'', level ''[[Arrival]]''</ref><ref>'''Halo: Reach''', level ''[[Tip of the Spear]]''</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLmtVh_bmhs ''Halo Reach Legendary Edition'' developer commentary, part 4]</ref>

* '''[[Quantum mirror]]''': A part of the armor's motion sensor system, located in the shoulder pauldron.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 221''</ref>

* '''[[Fail-safe detonation system]]''': This system functions as a self-destruct mechanism in order to prevent a dead Spartan's armor from being compromised by hostiles. It is activated by a series of digits that only the Spartans know. When engaged, it produces a reactor overload that burns everything within a ten-meter radius, then produces a large blast.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 315''</ref>

* '''Auto-repair and bypass nodes''': Any damage that the titanium armor plating suffers can be repaired by built-in, triply-redundant subsystems. These systems are receptive to nanomachines facilitating the repair.<ref name="ScienceOfHalo"/> Additionally, bypass channels allow certain components to function if routing is compromised by extensive damage. Both these systems can fail, resulting in "scarred" armor plating.<ref name="H5GBScarred">'''Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta''' - ''Scarred Mjolnir Mark VI description''</ref>

* '''[[Thruster pack]]''': Located at the back of the armor, this component provides the ability to propel the wearer over short distances and to maneuver in low-gravity environments.<ref>''Halo 4'', campaign level "[[Shutdown]]"</ref>

== Performance and durability ==

=== ''Halo 3'' - Mark VI GEN1 ===

=== ''Halo: Reach'' - Mark V prototype ===

==== Helmet ====

* '''Description''': Data gathered from these field tests will be used to improve the final production model.

* '''Description''': External command network and hardened 3rd-generation uplink modules.

* '''Description''': Up-armored variant with hardened 3rd-generation uplink module for MILINT acquisition.

=== ''Halo 4'' - Mark VI GEN2 ===

'''Unlock''': Complete the ''[[Halo 4]]'' campaign on [[Legendary]].

* '''Description''': Last series of mainline Mjolnir GEN1 armor types worn by SPARTAN-II personnel.

=== ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' - Mark VI GEN2 ===

* '''Cannon Fodder description''': The Mk.VI Mjolnir technology platform was designed with modularity and iterative development in mind.  

=== ''Halo 5: Guardians'' - GEN1 and GEN2 ===

==== GEN1 ====

* '''Helmet description''': The distinctive silhouette of the MARK VI GEN1 helmet remains one the most powerful symbols of the Human-Covenant War.

* '''Body description''': Technically obsolete, the Mark VI[GEN1] Mjolnir armor maintains a legendary luster among Spartans and the general public.

* '''Scarred helmet description''': Constructed with the utmost care and multiply redundant subsystems, MARK VI helmets can remain functional even after horrendous damage.

* '''Scarred body description''': The MARK VI was able to remain functional until all of its triply-redundant auto-repair and bypass nodes failed.

==== GEN2 ====

* '''Helmet description''': Key features of the iconic Mark VI helmet design have been retained in all of its newer permutations.

* '''Body description''': Without question the most famous of all Mjolnir permutations, the GEN2 MARK VI has been completely updated to modern powered assault armor standards.

=== ''Halo 4'' and ''Halo 5: Guardians'' ===

==== Campaign ====

John-117 continues to wear his original Mark VI suit in ''Halo 4''<nowiki/>'s campaign, although it has been redesigned.<ref name="Kenneth">'''[[Halo 4: Official Game Guide]] (Collector's Edition)''', ''page 441'' ('''Prima''' - "''Do you ever show damage on Chief's armor that speaks to the previous games or the rest of the fiction?''" - '''Kenneth Scott''': "''Yes. The damage you see on his armor at the end of ''Halo 3'' is still mostly there.''"</ref> In an interview with ''Game Informer'', [[Frank O'Connor]] offhandedly mentioned that [[Cortana]] used [[Nanotechnology|nanomachines]] to repair the suit;<ref name="ScienceOfHalo"/> In ''Halo 4'', the suit still has the gash it has featured since ''Halo 3'' as it was not repaired,<ref name="Kenneth"/> apparently because that area suffered irreparable damage.<ref name="H5GBScarred"/> ''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]'' notes that Cortana fully updated the suit, and that it resembles an earlier line of the Mark IV.

John's armor in ''Halo 5: Guardians'' is largely identical to its appearance in ''Halo 4'', barring minor cosmetic updates. The faceplate has been changed from a dull shade of orange to the vibrant gold of earlier titles. The formerly gashed chestplate is now intact. The undersuit's snakeskin texture is now limited to the arms and upper torso; the rest of the undersuit is smooth, with the waist and legs sporting a subtle digital camouflage pattern. Red piping is painted around the fusion pack's vents, although in the final release of the game, the red piping on the undersuit is now an olive green color.

==== Multiplayer ====

The original Mark VI helmet, chest, shoulder, arm, and leg armor are available in the [[Infinity (mode)|''Infinity'' mode]] after completion of ''Halo 4''<nowiki/>'s campaign on [[Legendary]] difficulty. Though the helmet is mostly unchanged from its ''Halo 3'' incarnation, the rest of the suit has received several minor aesthetic updates.<ref name="H4"/><ref>[http://blogs.halo.xbox.com/Headlines/post/2012/09/05/The-Halo-Bulletin-9512.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''The Halo Bulletin 09.05.12'']</ref> Canonically, this version of the Mark VI is available for issue to [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan-IVs]], having been updated for use with GEN2.

== Trivia ==

* In ''Halo: Reach'' the letters "FH" appear near the chin area of the Mark VI that is also present on the hood of the Warthog.<ref>[http://www.halopedian.com/images/0/0e/FH%282%29.png '''FH''' Easter egg]</ref>

* The [[:File:Operation Firepower.jpg|armor]] worn by [[w:c:marvel:Operation Firepower (Earth-1610)|Operation Firepower]] from [[Marvel Comics]]' [[w:c:marvel:Earth-1610|''Ultimate'' universe]] greatly resembles the Mark VI, combined with elements of [[w:c:marvel:Antonio Stark (Earth-1610)|Iron Man's]] armor. The helmet is nearly identical to that of the Mark VI and likewise has an orange face plate, though it features the distinctive eye slits of Iron Man's armor.

* In ''Halo 4'', the back-right of the Mark VI armor has an emblem comprising a star with two chevrons underneath. This symbol appears to be based on the insignia of the UNSC's [[Seventh Fleet]], (sans one chevron), as seen on the hulls of the {{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}} and {{UNSCShip|Aegis Fate}} in ''Halo 3''.

== Gallery ==

=== Normal gallery ===

File:FH4 - John close-up.png|John-117 in his GEN2 Mark VI in ''[[The Halo Experience Showcase]]'' in ''Forza Horizon 4''.

=== ''Halo 4'' skin ===

 

=== ''Halo 5: Guardians'' skins ===

 

== List of appearances ==

* ''[[Halo 2]]'' {{1st}}

* ''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''

** ''[[Armor Testing]]''

* ''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''

* ''[[Starry Night]]''

* ''[[Believe]]''  

** ''[[Diorama]]'' {{C|Diorama only}}  

* ''[[Halo: Uprising]]''

* ''[[Halo 3]]''

* ''[[Halo Legends]]''

** ''[[Origins]]''

** ''[[Odd One Out]]'' {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}

* ''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''

** ''[[The Mona Lisa]]''

** ''[[Palace Hotel (short story)|Palace Hotel]]''

** ''[[Human Weakness]]''

* ''[[Halo: Reach]]''

* ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''

** ''[[Terminal/Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary|Terminals]]''

* ''[[Scanned]]''

* ''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''

* ''[[Halo 4]]''

* ''[[Halo: Initiation]]''

* ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''

* ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''  

** ''[[Terminal/Halo 2: Anniversary|Terminals]]''

* ''[[Hunt the Truth]]''

** ''[[All Hail]]''

** ''[[The Cost]]''

** ''[[Hunt the Signal]]''

** ''[[A Hero Falls]]''

** ''[[The Hunt Begins]]''

* ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''

* ''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach - The Animated Series]]''

* ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''

** ''[[Halo 5: Guardians Limited Edition|Limited Edition]]''  

* ''[[Halo Mythos]]''

* ''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]''

** ''[[On the Brink]]''

** ''[[Dominion Splinter]]'' {{C|Flashback only}}

* ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''

* ''[[Halo: Bad Blood]]''

* ''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''

* ''[[Halo: Outpost Discovery]]''

== Sources ==