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. It is likely that it was a successor to the earlier Mark I exoskeleton. However, the Mark III 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.