Editing Powered exoskeleton

{{Wikipedia|Powered exoskeleton}}
{{Era|Forerunner|Human|UNSC|HCW|Post}}
[[File:Ih onyx cover.jpg|250px|thumb|Several Spartans in powered exoskeletons: <small>(L-R)</small> the MJOLNIR Mark V, the MJOLNIR Mark VI, and the Mark II SPI armor.]]
A '''powered exoskeleton''' is a mobile machine consisting primarily of a skeleton-like framework worn by a person and a power supply that supplies at least part of the activation energy for limb movement.

==Description==
Powered exoskeletons are designed to physically assist and, in many cases, protect the wearer. They may be designed to assist and protect soldiers and construction workers, or to allow people to survive in other dangerous environments. A wide medical market exists for powered exoskeletons to provide mobility assistance for aged and infirm people. Other possibilities include rescue work, such as in collapsed buildings, in which the device might allow a rescue worker to lift heavy debris, while simultaneously protecting him from falling rubble.

The [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]] designed by [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]] is the most sophisticated UNSC powered armor project so far. As one of its main strengths, the MJOLNIR system eschews traditional mechanized joints in favor of a strength-enhancing layer of [[Polymerized lithium niobocene|electroactive liquid crystal]] and provides a cybernetic link which boosts the wearer's reactions by a factor of five.<ref>'''Dr. Halsey's personal journal'''</ref> While it is the most successful UNSC powered armor project, MJOLNIR is by no means the only effort to physically augment soldiers in combat. The [[HRUNTING Mark III (B) Exoskeleton]] and the [[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark I ADS|HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark I]] were exoskeleton systems derived from the earlier prototypes from the exoskeleton program which predated MJOLNIR.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 44''</ref> Large-scale powered exoskeletons became more common in the years following the Human-Covenant War, with at least one model, the [[Mantis]], seeing battlefield use.

The [[Semi-Powered Infiltration armor]] predominantly used by the [[Spartan-III]] supersoldiers provides modest physical enhancement<ref name="HM">'''[[Halo Mythos]]''', ''pages 76-77''</ref> as well as a rudimentary [[active camouflage]] by means of [[photoreactive panel]]s, allowing covert operations in enemy territory.<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 16''</ref> [[RKD]], an Earth think-tank, created [[Project HAYABUSA]] concurrently with MJOLNIR and while the two were developed separately, they share many characteristics, and are interchangeable to a degree.<ref>'''[[Halo 3]]'''</ref>

In [[2558]], [[Michael Crespo]] wore an older suit of [[ODST armor]] from the early [[Human-Covenant war]], which apparently had an exoskeleton installed in it. It was noted to be significantly less capable than MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor.<ref>'''[[Halo: Bad Blood]]''', ''Chapter 17''</ref>

The [[Forerunners]]' [[Forerunner personal armor|personal armor]] offered powered support to some extent. For combat use, they also developed armor suits known as [[combat skin]]s, using a class system based on numbers, on which the MJOLNIR Mark V<ref>'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''', campaign level ''[[The Library]]''</ref> and Mark VI<ref>'''Halo 3''', campaign level ''[[Halo (Halo 3 level)|Halo]]''</ref> would be rated Class 2.

==Known powered exoskeletons==
There are form fitting exoskeleton suits that act as armor, and there are larger exoskeletons that act as vehicles.
===Armored suits===
====[[Forerunner]]====
*'''[[Forerunner personal armor|Personal armor]]''' - Body-assist armor worn by virtually all Forerunners in everyday life
**'''[[Combat skin]]''' - Armor worn by Forerunners in battle

====[[Human]]====
*'''[[Project HAYABUSA|Hayabusa Powered Assault Armor]]''' - A UNSC powered armor system similar to the MJOLNIR armor
*'''[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]]''' - The performance-enhancing body armor first used by the [[SPARTAN-II program|SPARTAN-IIs]] and later by [[SPARTAN programs|all Spartans]]
**'''[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor#Mark I exoskeleton|Mark I]]''', '''[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor#Mark II exoskeleton|Mark II]]''', and '''[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor#Mark III exoskeleton|Mark III powered exoskeletons]]''' - The powered exoskeletons that predated MJOLNIR; later retooled by the HRUNTING and YGGDRASIL programs
**'''[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV|Mark IV]]''' - First proper iteration of MJOLNIR; issued in at least three distinct generations
**'''[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V|Mark V]]''' - Introduced energy shields and [[artificial intelligence]] housing; fielded in two versions
**'''[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI|Mark VI]]''' - Introduced automated [[biofoam]] injectors
**'''[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VII|Mark VII]]''' - Last of GEN1.  Only known use is by [[Naomi-010]]
**'''[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN2)|GEN2]]''' - A broad array of suits developed [[Post-Covenant War conflicts|after]] the [[Human-Covenant War]]
**'''[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN3)|GEN3]]'''
*'''[[Semi-Powered Infiltration armor]]''' - The armor used by most [[SPARTAN-III program|SPARTAN-IIIs]]
*'''[[Nightfall armor]]''' - A suit of powered armor used by ONI operatives on missions in hazardous environments
=====[[Ancient humanity|Ancient human]]=====
*'''Ancient human battle armor suit''' -This powered armor used by Ancient humans during Human-Forerunner wars.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 112''</ref>

====[[Sangheili]]====
**'''[[Sangheili harness]]''' - The powered armor worn by Sangheili in combat .<ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 131'' (2011 edition)</ref>{{Citation needed}}
**'''[[Assault harness]]''' - The Assault harness is an ancient type of armor that is fully sealed. Formerly restricted by the Covenant, dissident Sangheili decided to reuse it during the Covenant civil war.<ref name="H3">'''Halo 3'''</ref>
**'''[[Combat harness]]''' - The combat harness is the ubiquitous armor system available to Sangheili of all ranks. The armor exists in a wide range of colors, and there are slight functional and aesthetic variations.<ref name="Fighting"/><ref name="H2A"/>
**'''[[Commando harness]]''' - The Commando harness is a lighter and sturdier variant. It is equipped with hardened communications gear and uplink capabilities, for use by [[Commando Unit]]s.<ref name="H3"/>
*'''[[Flight harness]]''' - The Flight harness is a sealed armor destined for pilots of [[space fighter]]s, such as the [[Tarasque heavy fighter]] and the [[Gigas fighter-bomber]].<ref name="H3"/>
**'''[[Infiltration harness]]'''The Infiltration harness is an armor equipped with [[active camouflage]] technology.<ref>'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 59''</ref> As such, it is commonly used by [[Special Operations Sangheili|Special Operations]] and [[Stealth Sangheili]].<ref name="Reach"/><ref name="CEA"/>
**'''[[Outrider harness]]''' - The Outrider harness is an upgraded armor destined to improve survivability and effectiveness for its user, especially during risky missions on frontier worlds.<ref name="Marching"/>
**'''[[Ranger harness]]''' - The Ranger harness is a sealed armor used for [[extra-vehicular activity]]. There are many variations, including some derived from the Assault or Storm platforms.<ref>'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 58''</ref><ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-brute-force '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Brute Force'']</ref><ref name="Fury">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-fury-s-road '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Fury's Road'']</ref>
**'''[[Storm harness]]''' - The Storm harness is a variant produced by [[Lodam Armory]] originally for specialized shock troopers who operated on frontier worlds. The Storm variant gained prominence during the [[Blooding Years|Sangheili civil war]].<ref name="Fighting"/><ref name="Fury"/>
**'''[[Ultra-class armor]]''' - The armor is mostly worn by [[Sangheili Ultra]]s, though it is not restricted to them. It is typically of a glistening white.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/hints-and-heroes '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Hints and Heroes'']</ref> Some feature secondary red markings and a crested helmet.<ref name="Reach"/>
*'''[[Warrior-class harness]]''' - This type of harness is reinforced with a shield-bolstering pauldron system. It also has an accentuated helmet design.<ref>'''Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''p. 29, 48''</ref> The armor is typically golden, signifying a command position.
**'''[[Commander-class harness]]''' - The Commander-class harness is fielded by Sangheili who were experienced officers of the Covenant.<ref name="Fighting"/><ref>'''Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 47''</ref> It has an ornate helmet very similar to that of the Officer variant.<ref name="H4">'''Halo 4'''</ref>
**'''[[Sangheili General#Armor configuration|General harness]]''' - The harness used by Generals is golden, signifying their role as [[Field Master|field masters]]. It features a command helmet.<ref>'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 57''</ref>
**'''[[Sangheili Major#Officer|Officer harness]]''' - Contrary to standard [[Sangheili Major|Majors]] who use the combat harness, the Officer subclass is equipped with a more ornate harness and helmet.<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 135'' (2011 edition)</ref> It exists in dark golden red and matte burgundy.<ref name="Reach"/><ref name="CEA"/>
**'''[[Invader harness]]''' - The Invader harness was a ceremonial armor used by Sangheili hunting lodges. Since the dissolution of the Covenant, it has been modernized for combat against the [[Jiralhanae]].<ref name="Marching">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-marching-on '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Marching On'']</ref>
=====Political harnesses=====
**'''[[Kaidon harness]]''' - The noble [[Kaidon]]s have donned a variety of ceremonial battledresses with different styles and colors throughout Sangheili history.<ref name="Fighting"/><ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/arbiter-thel-vadam '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Arbiter Thel Vadam'']</ref><ref>[http://www.ultra-combo.com/arbiters-colors-accessories/ '''Ultra-Combo.com''': ''Arbiter’s Colors & Accessories'']</ref>
**'''[[Sangheili High Councilor#Equipment|High Councilor harness]]''' - The High Councilors were equipped with a large, ornamental helmet.<ref name="H2A"/> A similar but highly stylized version of this armor was also in use for [[Imperial Admiral]]s.<ref>'''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]'''</ref>
===Specialty harnesses===
**'''[[Arbiter body armor]]''' - The [[Arbiter]] armors were an extremely rare type of harness only donned by ancient Sangheili judge-kings, and by specific Sangheili appointed by the [[Hierarchs]] during the Covenant era.<ref>[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|'''Halo 2: Anniversary''': ''Terminals'']]</ref><ref name="Fighting">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-fighting-words '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Fighting Words'']</ref>
**'''[[Executioner|Executioner's harness]]''' - Worn by an executioner, this harness appears to have an ornate helmet.<ref>''[[Halo Wars 2]]'', campaign level, [[A New Enemy]]</ref>
*'''[[Imperial Admiral|Imperial Admiral harness]]'''
**'''[[Heretic Sangheili#Equipment|Artifact retrieval harness]]''' - This harness was used to recover Forerunner artifacts. It has a breathing apparatus that enables breathing in hazardous environments. [[Sesa 'Refumee's heretic faction|Sesa 'Refumee's detachment]] used this set.
**'''[[Sangheili Honor Guardsman|Honor Guard harness]]''' - The harness was a highly ornamented, ceremonial equipment issued to Sangheili Honor Guardsmen.<ref name="H2A"/><ref>'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 95''</ref> The elite [[Lights of Sanghelios]] wore a bright-white base armor variant, instead of crimson red.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/covenant-honor-guard '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Covenant Honor Guard'']</ref>

=====Religious order harnesses=====
**'''[[Sangheili Zealot#Hesduros-inspired design|Hesduros-styled Zealot-class harness]]''' - The harness's design is used by Zealots and Kaidons who originate from [[Hesduros]]. This traditional armor has a very organic, irregular surface.<ref>'''Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''pages 27, 49''</ref>
**'''[[Ceremonial battle harness]]''' - The ceremonial battle harness refers to an ornamental armor used by some chapters of [[Sangheili Zealot]]s.<ref name="Fighting"/><ref name="Reach"/><ref name="CEA">'''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary'''</ref> A variation is also used by the [[Sangheili Field Marshal|Field Marshal]] subclass.
*'''[[Ascetic harness]]''' - The Ascetic harness is an ancient design utilized by [[Ascetics|a religious order]] that was reactivated during the [[Great Schism]]. It features a traditional bladed mandible guard.<ref>'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 56''</ref>

====[[San'Shyuum]]====
*'''[[Prelate#Abilities|Prelate power armor]]''' - Highly advanced powered armor worn by Prelate in battle.

===Vehicles/Mechs===
====[[Forerunner]]====
* '''[[War Sphinx]]'''
* '''[[Seeker (vehicle)|Seeker]]'''

====[[Human]]====
*'''[[Cargo walker]]'''
*'''HRUNTING and YGGDRASIL'''
**'''[[HRUNTING Mark III (B) Exoskeleton]]''' - Also known as the Cyclops; a large exoskeleton mainly designed for non-combat tasks, such as construction and dock work
**'''[[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark I ADS|HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark I Armor Defense System]]''' - An advanced development of the pre-MJOLNIR exoskeleton system
**'''[[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark II (D) armor system|HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark II [D] Armor Defense System]]''' - Also known as the Mega-Mantis, a very large armored fighting vehicle akin to the later Mark IX "Mantis"
**'''[[Colossus|HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark II [J] Armor Defense System]]''' - Also known as the Colossus, a successor to an older exoskeleton in the same line, the HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark II [D]
**'''[[Mark IX Mantis ADS|HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark IX Armor Defense System]]''' - A powered exoskeleton/armored fighting vehicle used by the [[UNSC Marine Corps]] after the [[Human-Covenant War]]
*'''[[Munitions loader]]'''
*'''[[Skyfire Exosuit]]'''

====[[Unggoy]]====
*'''[[Goblin]]''' - A bipedal battlesuit of Unggoy design

====[[Jiralhanae]]====
*'''[[Decimus' exoskeleton]]''' - a custom combat suit worn by [[Atriox]]'s right hand
*'''[[Breacher Exosuit]]'''

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Halo3MC.png|The MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI.
File:HWunit Cyclops.png|A HRUNTING Mark III (B) Exoskeleton.
File:HRUNTING YGGDRASIL.png|A HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark I Prototype Armor Defense System.
File:Cyclops mark II.jpg|A HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark II [D] armor system under construction.
File:UNSC Mantis.png|A HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark IX Armor Defense System.
File:H5G - Goblin render.jpg|A Goblin, a powered exoskeleton built by Unggoy.
File:HW2 Decimus mech.png|An exoskeleton piloted by [[Decimus]].
File:H4-Concept-PreHuman-Armor.jpg|Designs of an ancient human battle armor suit.
File:H4-Terminal-PreHuman-Death.jpg|An ancient human battle armor suit being used in combat.
File:Halo 2 Anniversary Zealot.png|A Sangheili Zealot wearing the Sangheili harness in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
</gallery>

==Sources==
<references/>

{{Armor}}
{{UNSC Vehicles}}

[[Category:Armor]]