Editing MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV

{{Era|UNSC|HCW|Post}}  

{{Armor Infobox

|image=[[File:Mark_IV_schematic.jpg|300px]]

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

{{Quote|You're the only ones who can use them, Petty Officer. Who else could we give them to?|[[Catherine Halsey|Doctor Catherine Halsey]]}}

The '''Mark IV MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor''' was (despite its name) the first version of the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]] series. The suit was issued to [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan-II commandos]] on [[2525#November|November 27, 2525]],<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 113'' ''page 136'' (2010 edition)</ref> and was in service until it was replaced by the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V|Mark V]] on [[2551|November 24, 2551]].<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_012910 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update: 01.29.10'']</ref><ref group="note">''Halo: The Fall of Reach'' states that the Mark V was issued on August 29, 2552. However, the aforementioned Weekly Update and Dr. Halsey's personal journal retcon this, instead stating that the Mark V was issued on November 24, 2551. The test performed by John-117 was intended to gauge the pairing of the Mark V suit with a piggy-backed AI, not to observe the suit's performance ''per se''. ''Halo Waypoint''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s ''MJOLNIR Project 2'' video erroneously presents the date given in the novel as valid.</ref> It could still be requisitioned by Spartan personnel as late as [[2558|October 2558]], albeit upgraded to function with the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN2)|MJOLNIR [GEN2]]] suite, and is notably still used by select Spartan-IIs.<ref>'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'''</ref>

[[File:MarkIV model.jpg|200px|thumb|The first iteration of the MJOLNIR platform (''Halo Wars'' work in progress model)]]

Developed parallel to the SPARTAN-II program<ref name="Sybex">'''Sybex [[Halo PC]] Strategy Guide''', ''page 5''</ref> by the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]]'s [[Materials Group]], the MJOLNIR powered assault armor was a radical redesign from previous large bulky exoskeletons, streamlining their design into a compact suit of armor practical for use in the field. The brainchild of Dr. Catherine Halsey, the MJOLNIR armor represented her vision of creating a slim powered exoskeleton capable of taking full advantage of the physical capabilities of a SPARTAN-II.<ref name="Sybex"/> Planning and research for the revised MJOLNIR battlesuit began in 2511<ref name="halsey1">'''[[Dr. Halsey's personal journal]]''' ''July 30th, 2511 entry''</ref> alongside the SPARTAN-II project; over the course of fourteen years its development gave birth to many new technologies that would later see major adoption throughout the military.  

MJOLNIR is a sealed system capable of [[extra-vehicular activity]] or operations in toxic atmosphere and vacuum. It is hardened against [[electromagnetic pulse]] and radiation, and has filters that are completely effective at removing toxins and bacteria from local atmosphere.<ref name="xbox">'''[http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/h/halo/spotlight2.htm Master Chief's Armor: An Overview]'''</ref><ref group="note">The reference, ''Master Chief's Armor: An Overview'', was posted on xbox.com before the release of ''Halo: Combat Evolved''. It is an official excerpt from the Halo Story Team. However, the article has been removed from xbox.com and there are few websites that have re-posted the article, including the old ''Halo'' timeline that article can be viewed [[Xbox.com/Halo|here]].</ref><ref name="FoR120">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''' ''page 120'' ''page 143'' (2010 edition)</ref>

The armor's outer shell is composed of a multilayer alloy of remarkable strength which has been augmented with a refractive coating capable of dispersing a limited amount of Covenant [[Directed energy weapon|energy weapon]] impact.<ref name="xbox"/><ref name="FoR">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''' ''page 114-115'' ''page 137'' (2010 edition)</ref> Underneath the alloy shell is a thick black armored titanium nanocomposite bodysuit. Underneath that layer is a gel-filled layer. The gel layer regulates temperature and can reactively change its density in a few seconds.<ref name="xbox"/><ref name="FoR"/> The inner skinsuit is made of a moisture-absorbing synthetic material linked to an environmental control computer and the occupant's [[Spartan neural interface|special-issue neural interface]].<ref name="xbox"/><ref name="FoR"/> This network translates electrochemical signals to digital code and routes them through an interface connection at the rear of the skull.<ref name="xbox"/> Through this interface the user's thoughts commands the armor's movement and weapons and input from the on board sensors comes directly to the user's mind.<ref name="xbox"/> The synthesis of machine and mind is so fast that it is almost impossible to chart the reaction time. Unfortunately, the system is so reactive that normal human beings cannot use the suit without injuring or even killing themselves.<ref name="for115">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 115'' ''page 138'' (2010 edition)</ref> Only humans who have undergone carbide ceramic ossification, a bone-strengthening treatment shared by the Spartans, have been shown to safely operate the suit.

Sandwiched between the external armor and the internal padding is the most devastating weapon the suit carries: a layer of [[polymerized lithium niobocene]], a form of reactive metal liquid crystal.<ref name="xbox"/> Woven by molecular tools into a super-dense layer, this layer is amorphous, yet it amplifies force, doubling lifting capability and increases reaction time by a factor of five.<ref name="Sybex"/> Such technology did not exist when work began on the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor#Mark I exoskeleton|Mark I prototypes]].<ref name="Sybex"/><ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''' ''page 70'' ''page 89'' (2010 edition)</ref>

Because of these advancements the design is more akin to an actual suit of armor as opposed to a powered exoskeleton; the user moves the suit and in return the suit moves the user. This allows for an highly compact design when compared to other combat systems. The armor contains numerous features including an integrated computer system which continuously monitors weapons, biological functions, and a limited function motion sensor system. The suit also contains a built-in oxygen re-breather system that can provide air for up to ninety-minutes.<ref name="FoR120"/> The suit's helmet also features imaging and video recording, and thermal sensors among other features.

In its final phase the MJOLNIR armor weighs half a short ton (907 kilograms),<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''' ''page 2'' ''page 16'' (2010 edition)</ref> and is currently the most advanced piece of tactical military hardware in human hands.<ref name="xbox"/>

==Armor platforms==

[[File:H4FUD-MasterChief-MkIVArmor.png|thumb|185px|A variant design of the original MJOLNIR platform worn by John-117]]

Throughout the [[Human-Covenant War|Covenant War]] the Mark IV saw several generational design changes and became a testbed for new technologies and hardware to help improve its integrity and efficiency in certain combat conditions.<ref name="mjolnir">'''[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/theuniverse/tech/video/the-mjolnir-project-1/cf313a1a-e1e5-4be8-a9a2-7071eda6ca8f Halo Waypoint: The MJOLNIR Project Part 1]'''</ref> While some of these variants are rumors and have never been witnessed in the field, others have become common knowledge.<ref name="eync8889">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''' ''pages 88-89''</ref> By [[2535]] fourteen variants had already been developed.<ref name="journal">'''Dr. Halsey's Personal Journal''' ''January 7th, 2535 entry''</ref> Mark IV went through multiple external design iterations<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/blogs/Headlines/post/2012/07/19/The-Halo-Bulletin-71812.aspx ''The Halo Bulletin: 7.18.12'']</ref> and variants designed for a specific purpose tend, by necessity, to look different from the contemporary core model.<ref name="way-mjol"/> However, each generational "Mark" is categorized by its internal components and software suit, not by its superficial design: therefore, while a first-generation Mark IV suit may look drastically different from a third-generation suit, they are still essentially the same model.<ref name="way-mjol">'''[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/related/video/the-mjolnir-project-2/46e89c1a-f619-41e2-ad7f-ab65c61ca2df Halo Waypoint: The MJOLNIR Project Part 2]'''</ref>   

The Materials Group developed this prototype to test the technologies that were being developed for the MJOLNIR battlesuit. In February 2525 this model was sent to [[UNSC Special Forces#Naval Special Warfare Command|Naval Special Warfare]] for evaluation and final testing. Over the next four months the model was tested to ensure proper function and to evaluate its capabilities. The prototype was built and fine-tuned for the SPARTAN-II supersoldiers. A test was conducted to see if a normal human could operate the suit. Because of an override in the prototype's safe mode to prevent unintended use, the operator was killed by his own muscular twitch.<ref name="hals2">'''Dr. Halsey's Personal Journal''' ''June 30, 2525 entry''</ref><ref name="for115"/> A short time after the failed demonstration limited production of the MJOLNIR battlesuit was approved.<ref name="hals2"/>

Five months after production began the MJOLNIR PAA entered service.<ref name="hals2"/> The initial version was bulky, angular, and restrictive in mobility. Due to its design philosophy being centered around a human insurrection this model was not adequately prepared for dealing with advanced alien technology and weapons.<ref name="journal"/> Although highly advanced the suit entered service in an accelerated state due to the Covenant threat. As such, upgrades to the suit were already in the works when it was issued to the Spartans;<ref name="journal"/> at least seven variant models had been introduced by [[2526#April|April 2526]].<ref name="TAS"/><ref name="FUD">''Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn''</ref> In [[2531]] the suit was replaced by a generational upgrade to better combat the alien threat.<ref name="journal"/><ref name="mjolnir"/><ref name="original" group="note">''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Covenant]]'' and ''[[Scanned]]'' (both quasi-canonical sources) show that the first version of MJOLNIR to be issued was the one introduced in ''Halo Wars''. [[Red Team]] wore the original version at least through February 9, 2531, indicating that the upgrade occurred after this date.</ref>

By 2535 the MJOLNIR system had become the single most expensive item ever produced by the UNSC.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''' ''page 45''</ref> It had been intended as a continuous, pioneering effort to shatter technological barriers. However, with each suit costing as much as a [[UNSC destroyer|destroyer]] to manufacture<ref>'''Halo Legends''', ''Halo: The Story So Far''</ref> the budgetary commission overseeing the MJOLNIR project mandated a simplified generational system to categorize, prioritize, and serialize development neatly into fiscal-year budgets. Thus the "Mark" system was added to MJOLNIR, with the current version being retroactively designated "Mark IV" to suggest continuity with the powered exoskeleton program that had preceded MJOLNIR's development.<ref name="hals3"/>

With the adoption of the "Mark" categorization, an updated model of the suit that had entered service four years earlier was adopted as the standard-issue suit. Its design would inform all future "Mark" generations. The third-generation suit included numerous improvements not available at the beginning of the war, including a standardized vacuum survival system, standard fusion power, and a new radar sensory package.<ref name="hals3">'''Dr. Halsey's personal journal''' ''January 7, 2535 entry''</ref>

The MJOLNIR Advanced Hardware Program concerns the development and furthering of hardware and technologies for testing, evaluation, and incorporation into later versions of the MJOLNIR armor. The original goal of the program was to produce new technologies to aid the SPARTAN-IIs in the war against the Covenant,<ref name="eync8889"/> such as the prototypical [[energy shielding]] tested by [[Red Team]] in [[2531]].<ref>'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 119'': ''"Energy shielding was a key feature of Mark V, although other Spartan squads had field-tested prototypes of this technology as early as 2531."''</ref><ref group="note">According to [[Ensemble Studios]] representatives, ''Halo Wars''<nowiki>'</nowiki> portrayal of the Mark IV with energy shields was intended to be a liberty made for the sake of gameplay, as stated [http://www.halowars.com/news/devblog/archive/2009/08/25/Lessons-Learned.aspx here]. However, this portrayal was canonized by ''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]'', which states that the shielding feature saw in-the-field prototyping as early as 2531; this implicitly refers to Red Team, as the Grenadier variant did not enter service until 2535.</ref> Any changes in appearance of the armor are for research and development of future MJOLNIR components.<ref name="eync8889"/>

===Air Assault-like===

During the [[Fall of Circinius IV]] Kelly-087 utilized a variant that had similar architecture to Air Assault armor.<ref name="FUD"/>

File:FuD Kelly variant.png|The variant worn by Kelly-087 in ''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''.

===Gray Team variant===

[[Gray Team]] wore a distinct variant of the Mark IV in [[2535]]. This model of the suit bore a resemblance to the later Mark V Mjolnir armor.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]'''</ref>

File:CP armor.png|[[Gray Team]]'s Mark IV model in ''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''.

File:Grey_Team_Mark_IV_variant.png|An overlook of the Grey Team variant in the ''Halo 2: Anniversary'' Terminals.

===Mark VI-like===

John-117 utilized a variant of the Mark IV that had similar architecture to the Mark VI.

File:H4FUD-MasterChief-John117.png|John wearing a superficially distinct variant of the original model in ''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''.<ref name="original" group="note"/>

File:1771875-gallery.png|John's armor during the Harvest campaign in ''Halo Legends'': ''Homecoming''.

File:HaloLegends-MasterChief.png|John wearing the armor during Operation: WARM BLANKET in ''Halo Legends'': ''[[The Package]]''.

===Hybrid GEN2/Mark IV [Gen 1]===

A [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN2)|GEN2]] variant that uses many components of the original Mark IV armor after firmware updates. This suit is still used by Spartan-IIs and Spartan-IVs in [[2558]].

File:H5G-MarkIV.png|The Mark IV adapted for [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN2)|GEN2]] MJOLNIR in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.

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="for115"/>

Fitted in between the outer plates and the inner padding, is a layer of liquid crystal within a piezoelectric material that deforms along a preferred axis when exposed to a electric charge.<ref name="journaljul">'''Dr. Halsey's Personal Journal''' ''July 11th, 2511 entry''</ref> This layer acts as a sheath or a suit artificial muscle; this reactive piezoelectric effect increases the strength, reaction time, mobility, speed, and all around physical performance of the suit's user.<ref name="journaljul"/> The material is amorphous, thus circumventing a major obstacle in its design: custom-fitting millions of the polygonal pieces under the second armor layer.<ref name="journalsep">'''Dr. Halsey's Personal Journal''' ''September 1st, 2525 entry''</ref> Knitted together at a molecular level the liquid crystal material is merely "poured" into a multilayered Sierpinski capillary system where microelectric fields can direct crystallization geometries.<ref name="journalsep"/> The only downfall is the materials production, which involves classified super-toxic precursor materials and requires a zero-gravity environment.<ref name="journalsep"/> As such this layer accounts for over eighty percent of the MJOLNIR armors cost of construction and materials.

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.<ref name="enyc"/>

*'''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''', level ''[[Arrival]]''</ref><ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia''', 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><ref group="note">No source has stated that the Mark IV was equipped with a lock-down system. However, this article assumes that the Mark IV did possess such a system, due in part to [[Jorge-052]] being able to lock his upgraded Mark IV/G armor in the level ''Tip of the Spear'' in ''Halo: Reach''.</ref>

The outer shell of the MJOLNIR armor is comprised of a thick titanium alloy. This alloy is very resilient, being nearly impervious to small arms fire. While enough impacts 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 MJOLNIR suit is covered with a refractive coating to help disperse the heat discharged by Covenant energy weapons. However, one or two direct hits from any plasma weapon will compromise the armor plating.<ref name="enyc">'''Halo Encyclopedia''' ''page 90''</ref>   

The MJOLNIR helmet (properly the Integrated Communications Helmet) is one of the most vital aspects to the MJOLNIR armor system. It is made of [[titanium]] and features a [[heads-up display]] (HUD) that links to the brain and hands; the HUD can identify equipment and display information about it when it is picked up by the wearer. It also features an environmental control unit that includes filters to remove toxins from the atmosphere, as well as a rebreather to automatically supply oxygen to the wearer during EVA. In addition the helmet contains thermal and motion sensors, communications, solar-powered lighting, and imaging and video gear.<ref name="hals3"/>

The helmet's most important 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 in 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.<ref name="hals3"/>

The titanium chest plating provides maximum ballistics protection across all generations of the Mark IV. The original version consisted of wide plating to allow for free rotation of the head and neck; the external microphone was located below the collar area and below that an environmental control unit. This model also had large arm sockets and the waist area consisted of free-rotating bearings which lock into the lower body or jumper armor section. Later versions of the chest plates are more angular and are joined via a hinge system on both the central brace and the shoulder connectors, allowing them to rise and fall with the user's movements.<ref name="hals3"/>

The first version's shoulder and arm plating consisted of an organic shape with larger shoulder area for ample protection; the upper assembly piece sat flush inside the upper-arm armor. The elbow armor was hinged to fit flush when the wearer's arm was straight, making hyperextension impossible without force adequate to destroy the plating. The forearm armor is the same with locking pieces to prevent over-rotation and the lower portion is attached to the handguard. The range of motion is adequate for firearm use and hand-to-hand combat, however the guard prevents hyperextension of the wrist. Later revisions to this armor discard this for more nanofabricated pieces and more mobility focused plating. The pauldrons are mounted at a downwards diagonal angle at the upper edge of the shoulder, independently of the armor below them. This allows the lower arm pieces to slide and rotate beneath them, and when the arms are raised, the angled pauldrons move with them.<ref name="hals3"/>

The MJOLNIR armor's torso plating is connected to the upper-torso plating by free-rotating waist connectors the waist plating contains ammunition/utility pouches. The lower-abdomen plate connects into a track for upper torso bending, the codpiece is connected to the femoral-artery armor.<ref name="hals3"/>

The MJOLNIR PAA's leg armor consists of two major plating sections, with a third piece protecting the knees. The earlier version of the armor consisted of the thigh armor which is actually two sections held together by two locking collars, the knee pads are secured on the sides. The lower leg contains reinforced piezoelectric bladders which secure ankle and lower legs to prevent impact injury from high-elevation jumps. The boots consist of 15mm-thick soles, which are secured by a foot covering hinge locking bolt.<ref name="hals3"/>

Available on updated outer armor components of the Mark IV the magnetic strips are very small yet powerful magnets placed on the legs, waist, and back of the suit and is used 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. In addition to the magnetic holders, the default Mark IV is also equipped with utility pouches on the waist and a clip for a holster capable of accommodating most UNSC sidearms.<ref name="journal"/><ref name="hals3"/>

Integrated in the limited production model of the MJOLNIR PAA the nuclear fission reactor was the MJOLNIR armors source of power, the reactor was built into the suit and allowed for unlimited power. However, because of the delicacy and radioactive nature of the fission reactor its use was limited until it was replaced with a micro-fusion plant in the final production model in 2535.<ref name="hals3"/><ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''' ''page 45''</ref>

Integrated in the final production model in 2535, the microfusion cell is the most vital component to the MJOLNIR system as it provides power to all components of the MJOLNIR armor. The reactor is built into the suit and allows for nearly unlimited power. The fusion reactor in all versions of the MJOLNIR armor is half the size of a normal fusion pack that conventional marines carry around.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''' ''page 114'' ''page 137'' (2010 edition)</ref>

*'''Thruster pack''':

Located at the back of the suit beneath the fusion reactor, this component provides the ability to propel the MJOLNIR user over short distances and maneuver in zero-gravity environment.<ref>'''Halo 4''', ''[[Prologue]]''</ref><ref name="TAS">'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach - The Animated Series]]'''</ref><ref group="note">The ''Halo 4'' Prologue cinematic and ''Halo: The Fall of Reach - The Animated Series'' depict the Mark IV with built-in thrusters. In the novels, however, the Mark IV is described as requiring a separate thruster pack attachment for maneuvering in a vacuum. [https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/tech/jetpack Halo Waypoint notes] that integrated thruster packs were added in a later phase of MJOLNIR GEN2 upgrades (presumably in [[2558]]), despite the GEN2 models in ''Halo 4'' appearing to possess the hardware already. It is unlikely that the Mark IV would feature maneuvering jets only for the technology to be abandoned until GEN2's release. The depictions of the Mark IV with built-in thrusters may stem from the admittedly non-canonical use of John-117's unique Mark VI armor in the Prologue cinematic, while the use of built-in thrusters in ''Halo: The Fall of Reach - The Animated Series'' may be due to simplification for the sake of the visual medium.</ref>

===Halo 5: Guardians===

'''Unlock''': Mythic [[REQ]] card<br>

*Helmet Description: A battered Mark IV helmet once worn by the Master Chief is the last thing that SPARTAN-IV candidates see before beginning their grueling evaluation and preliminary augmentation cycle.<br>

*Body Description: As the basis for the GEN1 Mjolnir standard, many components of the original Mark IV can be used with GEN2 techsuits and VISRs after firmware updates. This hybrid GEN2/MARK IV [GEN1] suit is still used by select Spartan-II's.<br>

*The sketches of the limited-production Mark IV in [[Dr. Halsey's personal journal|Doctor Halsey's journal]] are almost identical to [[:File:Masterchief sheik.png|an early concept]] for the MJOLNIR armor, apart from the helmet.

File:John117FOReach.png|John-117 wearing the Mark IV on the 2010 reprint of ''Halo: The Fall of Reach''

File:TFoR AS - Baby Blue Team.jpg|Various types of Mark IV armor worn by [[Blue Team]] during the Battle of Chi Ceti IV.

File:MJOLNIR_MARK_IV_BLUE_TEAM.png|John-117, [[Samuel-034]] and [[Kelly-087]] wearing their original Mark IV armor aboard the ''Unrelenting''.

File:H5GC-MarkIV.jpg|Concept art of the Mark IV for ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.

File:H5G-MarkIVmodels.jpg|Models of the Mark IV

File:HW2-Shadows.png|Red Team wearing Mjolnir Mark IV in ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.

**''[[The Package]]''

*''[[Halo 4]]'' <small>([[Prologue]] only)</small>

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

<references group="note"/>

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{{Armor/Permutation}}

[[Category:MJOLNIR Armor]]