Canon

RECON-class Mjolnir

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Ankara's renowned IMC took ownership of RECON production after the war.[1]
Recon
GEN2
H5G-Recon.png
Production overview

Manufacturer(s):

Materials Group (GEN1)[2]
Imbrium Machine Complex (GEN2)[3]

Testing site(s):

B5D Ordnance Testing Facility (GEN1)[2]
Anakara Resiliency Chamber (GEN2)[3]

Type:

Role(s):

Stealth operations

 

RECON-class Mjolnir, also designated as the MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/R variant, is a stealth-oriented variant of the MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor that was originally commissioned by the Office of Naval Intelligence and developed by the Materials Group,[4] with the [GEN2] version being manufactured by the Imbrium Machine Complex.[1]

GEN1 overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The Recon armor was designed to provide the wearer with stealth capabilities and with little or no loss of endurance, specifically by reducing its infrared signature, reflective surfaces, and Cherenkov radiation emission. The visor of the Recon helmet employed the B5D-R/Optics Suite.[2] On the MJOLNIR Mark V platform, the SAP/RECON shoulder pads served as armored active electronically scanned array panels;[5] this functionality was inherited by its [GEN3] successor, the UA/Valens shoulder pads.[6] There is also a non-Mjolnir version of the Recon variant used by ONI, the ODST S-1/ONI Recon BDU.[7]

Development history[edit]

A prototype was created prior to the Fall of Reach concurrently with the Mark VI Prototype. Like the Mark VI Prototype, the armor underwent field tests to improve the final model. Before being finalized Recon was already shown to reduce armor silhouettes without decreasing survivability.[8]

The Recon armor was developed parallel to the Scout armor in the Office of Naval Intelligence's Beta-5 Division Ordnance Testing Facility in Swanbourne, Perth, Western Australia.[2]

In the post-war era, custom-built upgraded and up-armored RECON [GEN1] helmets remain in service with individual ONI operatives. Such helmets, equipped with cutting-edge stealth and cyberwarfare suites, were used by ONI teams responsible for information sanitation operations on Created-occupied Earth.[9] As late as 2560, GEN1 Recon could still be requisitioned by Spartans, upgraded to be roughly equivalent to GEN3.[10][11]

Usage[edit]

Recon helmets were invaluable for Spartan technical reconnaissance and electronic surveillance teams deployed in support of Operation: RED FLAG during the final year of the Human-Covenant War.[12] SPARTAN-B312 applied to use the Recon armor in its Mark V testing phase, and was given permission to use it.[13] After the Human-Covenant War, the Mark V helmet was worn by Hazel-A302 during her travels at Outpost Discovery.

ONI operative Captain Veronica Dare wore the S-1/ONI Recon BDU version of the helmet.[7] Updated Recon armor was also used by Kilo-Five members Vasily Beloi and Malcolm Geffen.[14]

GEN2 overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The helmet's visor system was changed to an APL-72 visor system. The chest has an infrared signature modulator, and an X900-Boulder emission shroud (IMC-spec). The reactor pack has a Bravado-120-B4 fitted stabilizer for masking reactor footprint.[3]

It offers improved movement stabilizers and adjustable shield distribution channels for versatility during deep-field reconnaissance.[15]

The GEN2 Recon helmet also contains a highly classified Auspex battlenet uplink featuring state-of-the-art ONI counter-cyberintrusion and firewall routines.[16] The armor itself is fitted with emissions baffling and plasma electronic support activity sensors for observation missions behind enemy lines.[17]

The greaves are an off-market system that feature exposed shield conduits.[3]

Development history[edit]

As a result of the UNSC Ordnance Commission in 2553, Imbrium Machine Complex took over production of the Recon variant after the Human-Covenant War, where they refined and improved the existing architecture.[3] The GEN2 variant was tested at Anakara Resiliency Chamber[3] with it being quickly done, as by January 2553 a copy of the armor was on board the UNSC Infinity.[18] The GEN2 Recon helmet's design became the basis for the GEN3 TRAILBLAZER-class Mjolnir helmet.[11]

Usage[edit]

Most operators indicate the armor has a notably higher resiliency and much leaner reaction-time margin.[3] The GEN2 armor was worn by Yeong-hao Holst, one of the first Spartan-IVs, during the Raid on UNSC Infinity in 2553.[18] It also saw use by Spartan Anthony Madsen during the Requiem Campaign in 2557, and by Spartan Newman during the Battle of Ealen IV a year later.[19] During Operation: VERTICAL UMBRAGE on February 14, Bonita Stone used the Recon GEN2 armor.[20][21][22]

In-game information[edit]

Halo 3[edit]

The Recon armor was first unveiled on Bungie Day 2007, in a piece of artwork created by Isaac Hannaford. This followed the unveiling of the new armor permutations system, though only the Mark VI, EVA and CQB sets were detailed. The Recon armor remained a mystery until launch, when it was revealed as an exclusive set awarded by Bungie to community members for specific accomplishments that impressed the Bungie staff. Additionally, on 7/7/09, players that beat a team of Bungie employees in Matchmaking were awarded Recon armor.

The launch of Halo 3: ODST in late 2009 saw the Road to Recon challenge unveiled; players who unlocked all of the Vidmaster Challenges across Halo 3 and ODST were prompted to visit Bungie.net, whereupon they would be able to click an "Unlock My Recon" button in their service record. The Road to Recon was discontinued in 2012, with the transition of all Bungie.net stat-tracking and online services to Halo Waypoint; as such the Recon armor is now unattainable in an Xbox 360 copy of Halo 3 without the use of modding. To compensate, 343 Industries unlocked the armor for all Xbox LIVE accounts in two waves around this time, though any accounts made since then will be unable to benefit from this.[23]

In the Halo: The Master Chief Collection version of Halo 3, the Recon armor, much like all other Halo 3 permutations, is unlocked by default.

Armor Description Unlock requirements
(Halo 3)
Unlock requirements
(Halo: MCC)
HTMCC H3 Recon Menu Render.png
Recon
Helmet: The Mjolnir VI/R variant was developed concurrently with the Mjolnir Mark VI Powered Assault Armor. The goal was to increase stealth capability without impacting endurance. Unlocked by default.
Shoulder: In developing the Mjolnir VI/R variant, the goal was to increase the armor's overall stealth capabilities with little or no loss of endurance. This was achieved by relying on several tried-and-true methods.
Chest: In developing the Mjolnir Mark VI Powered Assault Armor/R, the emphasis was to increase stealth capability, specifically by reducing it's IR signature, reflective surfaces, and Cherenkov radiation emission.
MCC: The goal of the RECON variant was to increase stealth capability without impacting endurance.

Halo: Reach[edit]

"The MJOLNIR, Prototype[R] is being developed concurrently with the Mark VI MJOLNIR PAA."

The Recon set returns in Halo: Reach, though largely unrelated to its Halo 3 predecessor in visuals. The Recon helmet was the subject of the game's pre-order bonus, with such purchases allowing players to use the Recon helmet with the UA/HUL[3] attachment on day one - this specific helmet variant cannot be unlocked any other way. The other Recon helmet, chest and shoulder armor types are unlockable in the game's purchase system via the use of cR. In Halo: The Master Chief Collection, the Recon set (including pre-order bonus) is attainable in the Season 1: Noble progression system, with an additional robot arm variant of the Tactical/Recon chest introduced in Series 5: Anvil.

Armor Description Unlock requirements
(Halo: Reach)
Unlock requirements
(Halo: MCC)
HR Recon Helmet Icon.png
Recon helmet
Data gathered from these field tests will be used to improve the final production model. Halo: Reach rank icon Colonel, 100,000 cR Series 1, Tier 3 (Spartan Point 1)
HR Recon HUL Helmet Icon.png
Recon (HUL)
External hardened uplink for MILINT acquisistion; reserved for sensitive OPs. Halo: Reach rank icon Colonel, 75,000 cR Series 1, Tier 74 (Spartan Point 1)
HR Recon UAHUL Helmet Icon.png
Recon (UA/HUL [3])
Up-armored variant with hardened 3rd-generation uplink module for MILINT acquisition. Pre-order Halo: Reach.[24] Series 1, Tier 10 (Spartan Point 1)
HR Recon RShoulder Icon.pngHR Recon LShoulder Icon.png
Recon shoulders
The MJOLNIR[R] prototype reduces armor silhouette without decreasing survivability. Halo: Reach rank icon Corporal, 1,500 cR Series 1, Tier 22 (Spartan Point 1)
HR Recon Chest Icon.png
Tactical/Recon chest
Everything you need to find everything you need to find out. Halo: Reach rank icon Warrant Officer, 1,500 cR Series 1, Tier 44 (Spartan Point 1)
HR ReconR Chest Icon.png
Tactical/Recon [R] chest
Spartans get all the best tech. N/A Series 5 Tier 70, (Spartan Point 1)

Halo 4[edit]

Recon was one of the armor permutations to return, albeit redesigned for [GEN2], in Halo 4. The helmet bears similarities to previous iterations, though the chest and shoulders have little design lineage. In The Master Chief Collection, the Recon set was available by default, though the introduction of armor customization in Series 4: Reclaimer saw the return of the SURGE skin, previously unusable in The Master Chief Collection's version of Halo 4.

Armor Description Unlock requirements
(Halo 4)
Unlock requirements
(Halo: MCC)
H4 MJOLNIR Recon.png
Recon
Description (H4): Ankara's reowned IMC took ownership of RECON production after the war. Reach Rank (Halo 4)Rank (Halo 4)Rank (Halo 4) Unlocked by default.
Helmet description (MCC): IMC's take on the classic helmet pattern.
Shoulders description (MCC): Modular left/right spaulder from Recon-class armor.
Chest description (MCC): Final evaluations conducted in the Anakara Resilience Chamber.
N/A
Recon Surge (SURG) skin
Description (H4): Complete the Covenant Loadout Mastery commendation. Unlocked by default.
Helmet description (MCC) Recon helmet customized with SURGE coating.
Shoulder description (MCC) Recon left/ right spaulder customized with SURGE coating.
Chest description (MCC) Recon chassis customized with SURGE coating.

Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta[edit]

Recon returned and was available in the Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta, being unlockable through the beta's progression system. It featured one variant.

Armor Manufacturer Description Unlock requirements
Recon armor in the Halo 5 beta.
Recon
Imbrium Machine Complex Helmet description: The heavily classified Auspex battlenet uplink in the RECON helmet contains the latest counter-cyberintrusion and firewall routines from ONI. Reach Rank (Halo 4)Rank (Halo 4)
Body description: RECON armor is fitted with emissions baffling and passive electronic support activity sensors for observation missions behind enemy lines. Reach Rank (Halo 4)Rank (Halo 4)

Halo 5: Guardians[edit]

Recon would be among the launch-era armor that returned in Halo 5: Guardians as an armor permutation unlockable via the Requisition system. The body armor includes the Recon chest and shoulders, the Contoured forearms and an unknown leg model. The Classic Helmet REQ Pack saw the addition of the Recon [GEN1] helmet during Monitor's Bounty, based on the design first featured in Halo: Reach. The GEN2 Recon set has three variants: RSO, BDA and ITG.

Armor Description Rarity Introduced in Unlock requirements
REQ icon for the Recon armor.
Recon GEN1 (helmet)
ONI teams responsible for information sanitization operations on Created-occupied Earth have access to cutting-edge stealth and cyberwarfare suites. Among these tools are upgraded and up-armored RECON [GEN1] helmets custom-made for individual operatives. Rare Monitor's Bounty Purchase the Classic Helmet REQ Pack for REQ Points 150,000 or $9.99
REQ icon for the Recon armor.
Recon (helmet)
The heavily classified Auspex battlenet uplink in the RECON helmet contains the latest counter-cyberintrusion and firewall routines from ONI. Common Introduced on launch. Purchase a Silver REQ pack for REQ Points 5,000 REQ points.
REQ icon for the Recon armor.
Recon RSO (helmet skin)
Uncommon
REQ icon for the Recon armor.
Recon BDA (helmet skin)
Rare
REQ icon for the Recon armor.
Recon ITG (helmet skin)
Ultra Rare Purchase a Gold REQ pack for REQ Points 10,000 REQ points.
REQ icon for the Recon armor.
Recon (body)
RECON armor is fitted with emissions baffling and passive electronic support activity sensors for observation missions behind enemy lines. Common Purchase a Silver REQ pack for REQ Points 5,000 REQ points.
REQ icon for the Recon armor.
Recon RSO (body skin)
Uncommon
REQ icon for the Recon armor.
Recon BDA (body skin)
Rare
REQ icon for the Recon armor.
Recon ITG (body skin)
Ultra Rare Purchase a Gold REQ pack for REQ Points 10,000 REQ points.

Halo Infinite[edit]

The Mark V Recon helmet and its attachments are available for multiplayer Spartan armor customization on the Mark V [B] armor core in Halo Infinite. The Recon shoulders are available under the SAP series of shoulder pads. Both the helmet and shoulder pads would be made cross-core with Season 05: Reckoning and Spirit of Fire, respectively.

Armor Manufacturer Lore Rarity Introduced In Unlock Requirements
Season Pass Icon
RECON
Materials Group RECON helmets were invaluable for Spartan technical reconnaissance and electronic surveillance teams deployed in support of Operation: RED FLAG during the final year of the Covenant War. Legendary Season 01: Heroes of Reach Season 01: Heroes of Reach Battle Pass level 45 (Premium)
Season Pass Icon
TAC/Recon Package
Misriah Armory Field Rig Romeo is a popular nickname for this arrangement of tactical gear. Rare Season 01: Heroes of Reach Battle Pass level 43 (Premium)
Customization IconCustomization Icon
SAP/RECON
Materials Group Armored AAESA panels associated with RECON armor. Rare Winter Update

Attachments[edit]

Production notes[edit]

Unlocking the Vidmaster Endure Achievement will unlock Dare's Recon helmet as a wearable "hat" for the player's Xbox LIVE avatar.

References[edit]

The three skins for Recon in Halo 5: Guardians are named after military acronyms. BDA is a military acronym for "battle damage assessment", ITG is "Initial Terminal Guidance", and RSO can mean both "Range Safety Officer" (in rocketry) and "Radiation Safety Officer".

Gallery[edit]

Halo 3[edit]

Halo: Reach[edit]

Halo 4[edit]

Halo 5: Guardians[edit]

Halo 5: Guardians skins[edit]

Halo Infinite[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b Halo 4, Spartan Armor Customization: Recon Description "Ankara's renowned IMC took ownership of RECON production after the war."
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b c d Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 152
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 23, 163
  4. ^ Halo Waypoint, MJOLNIR 2 (Retrieved on Mar 14, 2011) [local archive] [external archive]
  5. ^ Halo Infinite, Armor Hall: SAP/Recon - Shoulder Pad Description "Armored AESA panels associated with RECON armor."
  6. ^ Halo Infinite, Armor Hall: UA/Valens - Shoulder Pad Description "GEN3 revision of the MArk V-era SAP/RECON AAESA panels."
  7. ^ Jump up to: a b Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 45
  8. ^ Halo: Reach, Armory: Recon Description "The MJOLNIR[R] prototype reduces armor silhouette without decreasing survivability."
  9. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, Spartan Appearance Customization: Recon [GEN1] - Helmet Description "ONI teams responsible for information sanitization operations on Created-occupied Earth have access to cutting-edge stealth and cyberwarfare suites. Among these tools are upgraded and up-armored RECON [GEN1] helmets custom-made for individual operatives."
  10. ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Parallel Threads (Retrieved on Jun 25, 2021) [archive]
  11. ^ Jump up to: a b Halo Infinite, gameplay
  12. ^ Halo Infinite, Armor Hall: Recon - Helmet Description "RECON helmets were invaluable for Spartan technical reconnaissance and electronic surveillance teams deployed in support of Operation: RED FLAG during the final year of the Covenant War."
  13. ^ Halo: Reach: Pre-order Bonus Content Recon Card
  14. ^ Halo: Glasslands, chapter 3
  15. ^ Halo Waypoint, Halo 4 Interactive Guide - Armor Types: Recon (Retrieved on Apr 23, 2013) [local archive] [external archive]
  16. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, Spartan Appearance Customization: Recon - Helmet Description "The heavily classified Auspex battlenet uplink in the RECON helmet contains the latest counter-cyberintrusion and firewall routines from ONI."
  17. ^ Halo 5: Guardians, Spartan Appearance Customization: Recon - Body Description "RECON armor is fitted with emissions baffling and passive electronic support activity sensors for observation missions behind enemy lines."
  18. ^ Jump up to: a b Halo: Initiation, issue 2
  19. ^ Halo: Escalation, issue 1
  20. ^ Halo: Vertical Umbrage
  21. ^ Halo Waypoint, Halo 4 - Vertical Umbrage (Retrieved on Nov 7, 2022) [archive]
  22. ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Fourward Unto Dawn (Retrieved on Nov 10, 2022) [archive]
  23. ^ Halo Waypoint, Final Transition of Halo Services - Halo 3 Recon Armor (Retrieved on Mar 25, 2012) [archive]
  24. ^ Bungie.net, Bungie Weekly Update: 06.11.10 (Retrieved on Oct 17, 2014) [archive]