Mark III exoskeleton

Mark III exoskeleton
Usage
Year introduced:	2510
Affiliation:	United Nations Space Command

The Mark III exoskeleton, or Mark III [A] exoskeleton, was a line of prototype armoured exoskeletons originally in service with the United Nations Space Command.

Overview

The Mark III exoskeleton is essential a strength-enhancing suit for a human operator, with applications in many fields due to their ease-of-use and load-bearing capacity. The initial Mark III exoskeleton prototypes featured neural interface controls, in addition to a sealed armoured canopy for the operator, noted as visually reminiscent of later EVA-class Mjolnir helmets.

Development history

The Mark III line of prototype armoured exoskeletons was initially launched in 2510. However, the line became defunct quickly after its launch, with the Office of Naval Intelligence scrapping their plans for the exoskeleton and pursuing the fledgling Project: MJOLNIR instead.

In 2513, a Project: HRUNTING research team at Weapons Research Facility T12A on Algolis evaluated the abandoned Mark III line and made many of their own breakthroughs. These culminated in the production of a new variant, now called HRUNTING Mark III [B] or, more informally, the "Cyclops". After this variant was created, the original exoskeleton was retroactively given the name Mark III [A].

Models

Mark III [A1] Peacekeeper

Main article: Mark III (A1) Peacekeeper

A specialised variant of the Mark III [A] exoskeleton, designed for law enforcement SWAT teams. They were often equipped with a large riot shield and a low-pressure autocannon that fired riot-control munitions. However, most were destroyed after being pressed into active combat duty.

HRUNTING Mark III [B] Cyclops

Main article: HRUNTING Mark III (B) Cyclops

A significantly improved variant of the Mark III exoskeleton, nicknamed the Cyclops, produced by Project: HRUNTING after evaluating the then-defunct original Mark III line. This variant was originally designed for non-combat roles within the military, such as dock work, but has also been fielded in combat situations, for repair work and in even rarer cases, in anti-fortification roles.

Various further Cyclops iterations were produced based upon the breakthroughs made by Project: HRUNTING with their Mark III [B].

Production notes

Though it has never been seen in any visual media, the description of the original Mark III [A] exoskeleton given by Halo Waypoint bears a striking resemblence to early Halo Wars concept art of the HRUNTING Mark III [B] Cyclops, suggesting that the concept art represents the canonical visual appearance of the Mark III [A].

Some sources, such as a Halo Waypoint video series, conflate this Mark III exoskeleton with MJOLNIR Mark III. However, this Mark III exoskeleton predates Project: MJOLNIR, and so this is treated as a mistake.