HaloArray.png
Reclaimer - H4.png

Semi-Powered Infiltration armor: Difference between revisions

From Halopedia, the Halo wiki

No edit summary
No edit summary
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Era|HCW|Post}}
{{Era|HCW|Post}}
[[File:Semi-Powered Infiltration.png|200px|thumb|right|A concept illustration of SPI armor from the ''[[Art of Halo 3]]''.<ref>'''[[The Art of Halo 3]]''', ''page 140''</ref>]]
[[File:Semi-Powered Infiltration.png|200px|thumb|right|A concept illustration of SPI armor from the ''[[Art of Halo 3]]''.<ref>'''[[The Art of Halo 3]]''', ''page 140''</ref>]]
The '''Semi-Powered Infiltration armor''' ('''SPI armor''') is an experimental infiltration [[armor]] system designed with an emphasis on stealth through the use of [[photoreactive panel|special photo-reactive panels]].<ref name="goo14">'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 14''</ref> It was used by the [[SPARTAN-III program|SPARTAN-IIIs]] in their training exercises as well as in their active duties in the frontlines.
The '''Semi-Powered Infiltration armor''' ('''SPI armor''') is an experimental combat [[armor]] system designed with an emphasis on stealth through the use of [[photoreactive panel|special photo-reactive panels]].<ref name="goo14">'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 14''</ref> It was used by the [[SPARTAN-III program|SPARTAN-IIIs]] in their training exercises as well as in their active duties in the frontlines.


== Overview ==
== Overview ==
Though more advanced than the [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]]s' [[ODST armor|body armor]], the SPI armor is less advanced and powerful than the [[MJOLNIR armor]] used by the [[SPARTAN-II Program|SPARTAN-IIs]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Glasslands]]''', ''page 207''</ref> Its main benefit is that it is drastically cheaper to produce than the MJOLNIR armor.<ref name="goo46">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 46''</ref>
Though more advanced than the [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]]s' [[ODST armor|body armor]], the SPI armor is less advanced and powerful than the [[MJOLNIR armor]] used by the [[SPARTAN-II program|SPARTAN-IIs]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Glasslands]]''', ''page 207''</ref> Its main benefit is that it is drastically cheaper to produce than the MJOLNIR armor.<ref name="goo46">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 46''</ref>


The armor features [[photoreactive panel|special photo-reactive panels]] that mimic the surrounding textures, effectively being the UNSC equivalent to the [[Covenant]]'s [[active camouflage]] systems. It has been described as part "legionnaire mail, part tactical body armor, and part chameleon" by both [[Tom-B292]] and [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]].<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 16''</ref>
Described as "part legionnaire mail, part tactical body armor, and part chameleon", the SPI armor features [[photoreactive panel|special photoreactive panels]] that mimic the surrounding textures, effectively being the UNSC equivalent to the [[Covenant]]'s [[active camouflage]] systems.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 16''</ref> The SPI system features a full body armor with an enclosed helmet and [[heads-up display]]. The undersuit is equipped with a cushioning layer of liquid nanocrystals that provide more ballistic protection than three centimeters of [[wikipedia:Kevlar|Kevlar]] diamond weave, without the bulk.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 171''</ref> The hardened armor plates, though advanced compared to standard UNSC infantry armor, can only take a few glancing blows before failing.<ref name="goo14"/>


== Versions ==
== Versions ==
=== Mark I ===
=== Mark I ===
The Mark I was the first, experimental iteration of the SPI system used by the SPARTAN-IIIs of [[SPARTAN-III Alpha Company|Alpha Company]]. It featured hardened plates and photo-reactive panels. Though advanced compared to standard UNSC infantry armor, it could only take a few glancing blows before failing.<ref name="goo14"/>
The Mark I was the first, experimental iteration of the SPI system used by the SPARTAN-IIIs of [[SPARTAN-III Alpha Company|Alpha Company]]. The featured photo-reactive panels gave the Spartans of Alpha Company a rough equivalent to active camouflage. The camouflage patterns, however, shifted irregularly and imperfectly, which made the photo-reactive panels inferior compared to the [[Covenant]]'s active camouflage technologies.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 85''</ref>
 
It featured full body armor with an enclosed helmet and [[heads-up display]]. It was also equipped with a cushioning layer of liquid nanocrystals that provided more ballistic protection than three centimeters of [[wikipedia:Kevlar|Kevlar]] diamond weave, without the bulk.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 171''</ref> The featured photo-reactive panels gave the Spartans of Alpha Company a rough equivalent to active camouflage. The camouflage patterns, however, shifted irregularly and imperfectly, which made the photo-reactive panels inferior compared to the [[Covenant]]'s active camouflage technologies.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 85''</ref>


=== Mark II ===
=== Mark II ===
The Mark II was an improvement of the SPI Mark I, first used by the drill instructors of [[SPARTAN-III Beta Company|Beta Company]], and then by the Spartans of Beta Company.<ref name="goo89">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 89''</ref> The armor sports new photo-reactive coating to boost their camouflaging properties. There were also numerous experimental refits to the ballistic gel layers, upgraded software suites, and other functions.<ref name="goo99">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 99''</ref> Although the new photo-reactive coating could mimic a wide range of electromagnetic radiation, it was still sensitive to overload, so the wearer would still be vulnerable for several seconds after a flashbang or [[plasma]] hit while the panels reset.<ref name="goo113">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 113''</ref> One minor improvement is that the armor is now hermetically sealed.
The Mark II was an improvement of the SPI Mark I, first used by the drill instructors of [[SPARTAN-III Beta Company|Beta Company]], and then by the Spartans of Beta Company.<ref name="goo89">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 89''</ref> The armor sports new photo-reactive coating to boost their camouflaging properties. Although the new photo-reactive coating can mimic a wide range of electromagnetic radiation, it is still sensitive to overload, so the wearer will still be vulnerable for several seconds after a [[flashbang]] or [[plasma]] hit while the panels reset.<ref name="goo113">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 113''</ref> One minor improvement is that the armor is now hermetically sealed and contains an internal [[oxygen]] supply.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 251''</ref>


The armor was proposed in [[2537]] for Alpha Company, but the request was denied because the armor was over budget.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 80''</ref> After Alpha Company's Pyrrhic victory in [[Operation: PROMETHEUS]], the Mark II was approved for mass production. After the augmentation of [[SPARTAN-III Gamma Company|Gamma Company]], small adjustments were installed into the SPI Armor Mark II.<ref name="goo99"/>
The armor was proposed by [[Kurt Ambrose]] in [[2537]] for Alpha Company, but the request was denied because the armor was over budget.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 80''</ref> After Alpha Company's Pyrrhic victory in [[Operation: PROMETHEUS]], the Mark II was approved for mass production. After the augmentation of [[SPARTAN-III Gamma Company|Gamma Company]], small adjustments were installed into the SPI Armor Mark II,<ref name="goo99"/> including experimental refits to the ballistic gel layers, upgraded software suites, and other functions, slated to be introduced to the systems prior to Gamma Company's deployment in [[2552]].<ref name="goo99">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 99''</ref>


== Comparison to MJOLNIR ==
== Features ==
=== Advantages ===
=== Advantages ===
*The armor is significantly cheaper and easier to mass produce than MJOLNIR armor.<ref name="goo46"/>
*The armor is significantly cheaper and easier to mass produce than MJOLNIR armor.<ref name="goo46"/>
Line 29: Line 27:


=== Disadvantages ===
=== Disadvantages ===
*It had no [[energy shielding]] system, unlike the SPARTAN-IIs' MJOLNIR Mark V and Mark VI models, making the user far more vulnerable to enemy fire and a major contributor to the high fatality rate of the SPARTAN-IIIs. The exception to this limitation could be found in the SPARTAN-III [[Headhunters]]: their experimental armor was known to be equipped with energy shields, due to their elite nature and value. However, power must be drawn from the energy shields to recharge the suit's active camouflage module.<ref name="head212">'''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''', "[[Headhunters]]", ''page 212''</ref>
*It has no [[energy shielding]] system, unlike the SPARTAN-IIs' MJOLNIR Mark V and Mark VI models, making the user far more vulnerable to enemy fire and a major contributor to the high fatality rate of the SPARTAN-IIIs. The exception to this limitation could be found in the SPARTAN-III [[Headhunters]]: their experimental armor was known to be equipped with energy shields, due to their elite nature and value. However, power must be drawn from the energy shields to recharge the suit's active camouflage module.<ref name="head212">'''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''', "[[Headhunters]]", ''page 212''</ref>
*It does not enhance the user's physical performance (i.e. strength, speed, agility), unlike MJOLNIR.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 140''</ref>
*It does not enhance the user's physical performance (i.e. strength, speed, agility), unlike MJOLNIR.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 140''</ref>
*Since the photo-reactive plates take time to recover after explosions such as a [[flashbang grenade]] and plasma hits, the SPARTAN-III is visible until the plates recover.<ref name="goo113"/> With the exception of the Headhunters' suits, the SPI armor does not feature "true" active camouflage systems.<ref name="head212"/>
*Since the photo-reactive plates take time to recover after explosions such as a [[flashbang grenade]] and plasma hits, the SPARTAN-III is visible until the plates recover.<ref name="goo113"/> With the exception of the Headhunters' suits, the SPI armor does not feature "true" active camouflage systems.<ref name="head212"/>
*It is made of a less durable, less dense alloy than MJOLNIR armor: [[Kelly-087]] dented [[Holly-G003]]'s chest plate with her fist when first encountering the SPARTAN-IIIs.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''pages 168-169''</ref>
*It is made of a less durable, less dense alloy than MJOLNIR armor: [[Kelly-087]] dented a SPARTAN-III's chest plate with her fist when first encountering the SPARTAN-IIIs.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''pages 168-169''</ref>
*Unlike the MJOLNIR which is a fully self-sustained environment suit, the SPI armor is not designed for extended use, becoming increasingly uncomfortable to wear if used continuously over long periods of time.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 254''</ref>
*Unlike the MJOLNIR which is a fully self-sustained environment suit, the SPI armor is not designed for extended use; despite possessing rudimentary environmental controls<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 22''</ref> it will become increasingly uncomfortable to wear if used continuously over long periods of time.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 254''</ref>
*It lacks the ability to support an onboard [[artificial intelligence|artificial intelligence construct]], unlike the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V|Mark V]] and subsequent models of the MJOLNIR armor.{{Verify_source}}
*It lacks the ability to support an onboard [[artificial intelligence|artificial intelligence construct]], unlike the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V|Mark V]] and subsequent models of the MJOLNIR armor.{{Verify_source}}


Revision as of 12:54, February 12, 2015

A concept illustration of SPI armor from the Art of Halo 3.[1]

The Semi-Powered Infiltration armor (SPI armor) is an experimental combat armor system designed with an emphasis on stealth through the use of special photo-reactive panels.[2] It was used by the SPARTAN-IIIs in their training exercises as well as in their active duties in the frontlines.

Overview

Though more advanced than the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers' body armor, the SPI armor is less advanced and powerful than the MJOLNIR armor used by the SPARTAN-IIs.[3] Its main benefit is that it is drastically cheaper to produce than the MJOLNIR armor.[4]

Described as "part legionnaire mail, part tactical body armor, and part chameleon", the SPI armor features special photoreactive panels that mimic the surrounding textures, effectively being the UNSC equivalent to the Covenant's active camouflage systems.[5] The SPI system features a full body armor with an enclosed helmet and heads-up display. The undersuit is equipped with a cushioning layer of liquid nanocrystals that provide more ballistic protection than three centimeters of Kevlar diamond weave, without the bulk.[6] The hardened armor plates, though advanced compared to standard UNSC infantry armor, can only take a few glancing blows before failing.[2]

Versions

Mark I

The Mark I was the first, experimental iteration of the SPI system used by the SPARTAN-IIIs of Alpha Company. The featured photo-reactive panels gave the Spartans of Alpha Company a rough equivalent to active camouflage. The camouflage patterns, however, shifted irregularly and imperfectly, which made the photo-reactive panels inferior compared to the Covenant's active camouflage technologies.[7]

Mark II

The Mark II was an improvement of the SPI Mark I, first used by the drill instructors of Beta Company, and then by the Spartans of Beta Company.[8] The armor sports new photo-reactive coating to boost their camouflaging properties. Although the new photo-reactive coating can mimic a wide range of electromagnetic radiation, it is still sensitive to overload, so the wearer will still be vulnerable for several seconds after a flashbang or plasma hit while the panels reset.[9] One minor improvement is that the armor is now hermetically sealed and contains an internal oxygen supply.[10]

The armor was proposed by Kurt Ambrose in 2537 for Alpha Company, but the request was denied because the armor was over budget.[11] After Alpha Company's Pyrrhic victory in Operation: PROMETHEUS, the Mark II was approved for mass production. After the augmentation of Gamma Company, small adjustments were installed into the SPI Armor Mark II,[12] including experimental refits to the ballistic gel layers, upgraded software suites, and other functions, slated to be introduced to the systems prior to Gamma Company's deployment in 2552.[12]

Features

Advantages

  • The armor is significantly cheaper and easier to mass produce than MJOLNIR armor.[4]
  • The system includes photoreactive panels that act as an active camouflage for the wearer.[2]
  • The armor is easier to transport, because it is not as bulky or as heavy as the MJOLNIR armor.[13]
  • The armor has an efficient cooling system and is significantly difficult to detect even with thermal scanners.[8]
  • The faceplate has an automatic 5x zoom ability.[14]
  • The armor can be worn by any individual and does not require special augmentations, unlike the MJOLNIR armor.[verification needed]

Disadvantages

  • It has no energy shielding system, unlike the SPARTAN-IIs' MJOLNIR Mark V and Mark VI models, making the user far more vulnerable to enemy fire and a major contributor to the high fatality rate of the SPARTAN-IIIs. The exception to this limitation could be found in the SPARTAN-III Headhunters: their experimental armor was known to be equipped with energy shields, due to their elite nature and value. However, power must be drawn from the energy shields to recharge the suit's active camouflage module.[15]
  • It does not enhance the user's physical performance (i.e. strength, speed, agility), unlike MJOLNIR.[16]
  • Since the photo-reactive plates take time to recover after explosions such as a flashbang grenade and plasma hits, the SPARTAN-III is visible until the plates recover.[9] With the exception of the Headhunters' suits, the SPI armor does not feature "true" active camouflage systems.[15]
  • It is made of a less durable, less dense alloy than MJOLNIR armor: Kelly-087 dented a SPARTAN-III's chest plate with her fist when first encountering the SPARTAN-IIIs.[17]
  • Unlike the MJOLNIR which is a fully self-sustained environment suit, the SPI armor is not designed for extended use; despite possessing rudimentary environmental controls[18] it will become increasingly uncomfortable to wear if used continuously over long periods of time.[19]
  • It lacks the ability to support an onboard artificial intelligence construct, unlike the Mark V and subsequent models of the MJOLNIR armor.[verification needed]

Gallery

  • SpartanIII.jpg

    A Spartan wearing SPI armor.

  • Two Headhunters, Roland and Jonah, wearing SPI armor. The former is wearing an unknown variant.

    Two Headhunters, Roland and Jonah, wearing SPI armor. The former is wearing an unknown variant.

  • Another view of Roland's and Jonah's SPI armor.

    Another view of Roland's and Jonah's SPI armor.

  • An energy shielded SPI suit's HUD. Note the HUD's resemblance to that of the MJOLNIR Mark V.

    An energy shielded SPI suit's HUD. Note the HUD's resemblance to that of the MJOLNIR Mark V.

  • Jonah wearing his SPI armor.

    Jonah wearing his SPI armor.

  • Officially endorsed fan art of Jonah and Roland wearing modified SPI armor.

    Officially endorsed fan art of Jonah and Roland wearing modified SPI armor.

Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.

List of appearances

Sources

  1. ^ The Art of Halo 3, page 140
  2. ^ a b c Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 14
  3. ^ Halo: Glasslands, page 207
  4. ^ a b Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 46
  5. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 16
  6. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 171
  7. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 85
  8. ^ a b Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 89
  9. ^ a b Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 113
  10. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 251
  11. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 80
  12. ^ a b Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 99
  13. ^ Halo: Glasslands, page 40
  14. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 19
  15. ^ a b Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe, "Headhunters", page 212
  16. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 140
  17. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, pages 168-169
  18. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 22
  19. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 254

v • d • e
 
List of armor by faction

v • d • e
 
Human
Standard-issue
Powered exoskeleton
Configurations and accessories
v • d • e
 
Covenant
Other equipment
v • d • e
 
Forerunner

Template:SPARTAN Armor

Retrieved from "https://www.halopedia.org/index.php?title=Semi-Powered_Infiltration_armor&oldid=1113913"