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'''Materials Group''' is a division of the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] that is responsible for researching, developing, and manufacturing technologically advanced matériel. Materials Group's most important development has been the design of the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]] and the [[powered exoskeleton]]s which preceded it,<ref name="EVG 118">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 118''</ref><ref name="EVG 119">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 119''</ref><ref name="EVG 120">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 120''</ref> as well as several specialized variant models.<ref name="EVG 65">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 65''</ref><ref name="EVG 66">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 66''</ref><ref name="EVG 85">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 85''</ref><ref name="EVG 92">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 92''</ref><ref name="EVG 152">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 152''</ref><ref name="EVG 165">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 165''</ref> | [[File:SLoftus-MaterialsGroup.png|thumb|150px|The emblem of the Materials Group.]] | ||
'''Materials Group''' is a division of the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] that is responsible for researching, developing, and manufacturing technologically advanced matériel. The Materials Group's most important development has been the design of the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]] and the [[powered exoskeleton]]s which preceded it,<ref name="EVG 118">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 118''</ref><ref name="EVG 119">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 119''</ref><ref name="EVG 120">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 120''</ref> as well as several specialized variant models.<ref name="EVG 65">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 65''</ref><ref name="EVG 66">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 66''</ref><ref name="EVG 85">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 85''</ref><ref name="EVG 92">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 92''</ref><ref name="EVG 152">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 152''</ref><ref name="EVG 165">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 165''</ref> | |||
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== Known projects == | == Known projects == | ||
=== XRP12 Gremlin === | === XRP12 Gremlin === | ||
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=== Powered exoskeletons === | === Powered exoskeletons === | ||
[[File:Journal MK I.png|thumb|right|160px|A sketch of the Mark I exoskeleton by Dr. Halsey.]] | |||
In [[2511]], [[Catherine Elizabeth Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]] began designing a powered combat suit to complement the [[Orion Project|Orion Project, Generation II]], which would later become the [[SPARTAN-II Program]]. Materials Group, which had been experimenting powered exoskeletons for at least eleven years,<ref name="ENC"/> was tasked with developing this system at [[CASTLE Base]] on [[Reach]]. Materials Group began with the [[MJOLNIR_Powered_Assault_Armor#Mark_I_exoskeleton|Mark I exoskeleton]], which had entered development in [[2500]];<ref name="ENC"/> this exoskeleton allowed the wearer to lift nearly two tons and to run at 32km/h (19.88 mph) for an extended period of time, featured advanced tactical computers that could provide real-time data to the wearer's standard [[neural interface]], and was armed with an integrated 30mm minigun.<ref name="ENC">'''[[Halo: Encyclopedia]]''', ''pages 88 and 89''</ref><ref name="TFoR">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 70'', (2001 edition) ''page 79''</ref> However, the Mark I proved too large and cumbersome, its need to be physically tethered to a power generator, and its potentially fatal hypersensitivity to the user's movement resulted in its abandonment.<ref name="ENC"/><ref name="TFoR"/> | In [[2511]], [[Catherine Elizabeth Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]] began designing a powered combat suit to complement the [[Orion Project|Orion Project, Generation II]], which would later become the [[SPARTAN-II Program]]. Materials Group, which had been experimenting powered exoskeletons for at least eleven years,<ref name="ENC"/> was tasked with developing this system at [[CASTLE Base]] on [[Reach]]. Materials Group began with the [[MJOLNIR_Powered_Assault_Armor#Mark_I_exoskeleton|Mark I exoskeleton]], which had entered development in [[2500]];<ref name="ENC"/> this exoskeleton allowed the wearer to lift nearly two tons and to run at 32km/h (19.88 mph) for an extended period of time, featured advanced tactical computers that could provide real-time data to the wearer's standard [[neural interface]], and was armed with an integrated 30mm minigun.<ref name="ENC">'''[[Halo: Encyclopedia]]''', ''pages 88 and 89''</ref><ref name="TFoR">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 70'', (2001 edition) ''page 79''</ref> However, the Mark I proved too large and cumbersome, its need to be physically tethered to a power generator, and its potentially fatal hypersensitivity to the user's movement resulted in its abandonment.<ref name="ENC"/><ref name="TFoR"/> | ||
After the failure of the Mark I, Materials Group developed the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor#Mark II exoskeleton|Mark II exoskeleton]]. The Mark II was considerably slimmer than the Mark I, featured refractive coating for dispersing heat, and possessed improved self-sealing mechanisms for protection against vacuum, though it also had to be tethered to a power source. Thus, the Mark II was also abandoned.<ref name="ENC"/> | After the failure of the Mark I, the Materials Group developed the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor#Mark II exoskeleton|Mark II exoskeleton]]. The Mark II was considerably slimmer than the Mark I, featured refractive coating for dispersing heat, and possessed improved self-sealing mechanisms for protection against vacuum, though it also had to be tethered to a power source. Thus, the Mark II was also abandoned.<ref name="ENC"/> | ||
Materials Group then attempted to improve the [[MJOLNIR_Powered_Assault_Armor#Mark_III_exoskeleton|Mark III exoskeleton]], which had been introduced [[2510|the previous year]].<ref name="EVG 44">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 44''</ref> Though the Mark III did not have to be physically tethered to a power source, it had to receive broadcast power, similar to an [[orbital defense platform]] and its [[Orbital defense generator|remote generators]], and thus still had limited functional range. Furthermore, if the exoskeleton's power flow was disrupted, the operator would become trapped inside. While the Mark III represented a considerable improvement over the two previous models, it was also abandoned. Halsey and Materials Group then accepted that all three exoskeletons were limited by their power sources and would prove impractical in combat.<ref name="ENC"/><ref name="TFoR"/><ref name="TFoR2">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 115 (2001 edition)'', ''page 137 (2010 edition)''</ref> | Materials Group then attempted to improve the [[MJOLNIR_Powered_Assault_Armor#Mark_III_exoskeleton|Mark III exoskeleton]], which had been introduced [[2510|the previous year]].<ref name="EVG 44">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 44''</ref> Though the Mark III did not have to be physically tethered to a power source, it had to receive broadcast power, similar to an [[orbital defense platform]] and its [[Orbital defense generator|remote generators]], and thus still had limited functional range. Furthermore, if the exoskeleton's power flow was disrupted, the operator would become trapped inside. While the Mark III represented a considerable improvement over the two previous models, it was also abandoned. Halsey and Materials Group then accepted that all three exoskeletons were limited by their power sources and would prove impractical in combat.<ref name="ENC"/><ref name="TFoR"/><ref name="TFoR2">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 115 (2001 edition)'', ''page 137 (2010 edition)''</ref> | ||
=== MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor === | === MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor === | ||
{{Main|MJOLNIR}} | [[File:Still 01.jpg|thumb|left|160px|The Mark V MJOLNIR PAA, a groundbreaking iteration in the Materials Group's MJOLNIR series.]] | ||
{{Main|MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor}} | |||
Smitten by the perceived failures of the Mark I, Mark II, and Mark III exoskeletons, Halsey decided to completely overhaul the program, starting Project: MJOLNIR. Materials Group was then reassigned to this project, which Halsey felt was the realization of the powered armor program's overall goals.<ref name="EVG 44"/><ref name="TFoR2"/><ref name="EVG 118"/> The team abandoned the "Mark" system used when developing the exoskeletons, as Halsey wished to distance herself and the project from past failures.<ref>'''[[Dr. Halsey's personal journal]]''', ''date ???''</ref> MJOLNIR, rather than being a bulky powered exoskeleton, would be a self-contained, nearly form-fitting body suit; it would augment the wearer's physical abilities to superhuman levels, though it would require [[SPARTAN-II augmentation procedures|dangerous genetic modification]] to function safely. The [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV|first iteration of MJOLNIR]] was developed at Materials Group's [[Damascus Materials Testing Facility]] on [[Chi Ceti IV]], and was introduced to the recently graduated Spartans on [[2525#November|November 27, 2525]]. | Smitten by the perceived failures of the Mark I, Mark II, and Mark III exoskeletons, Halsey decided to completely overhaul the program, starting Project: MJOLNIR. Materials Group was then reassigned to this project, which Halsey felt was the realization of the powered armor program's overall goals.<ref name="EVG 44"/><ref name="TFoR2"/><ref name="EVG 118"/> The team abandoned the "Mark" system used when developing the exoskeletons, as Halsey wished to distance herself and the project from past failures.<ref>'''[[Dr. Halsey's personal journal]]''', ''date ???''</ref> MJOLNIR, rather than being a bulky powered exoskeleton, would be a self-contained, nearly form-fitting body suit; it would augment the wearer's physical abilities to superhuman levels, though it would require [[SPARTAN-II augmentation procedures|dangerous genetic modification]] to function safely. The [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV|first iteration of MJOLNIR]] was developed at Materials Group's [[Damascus Materials Testing Facility]] on [[Chi Ceti IV]], and was introduced to the recently graduated Spartans on [[2525#November|November 27, 2525]]. | ||
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On [[2551|November 24, 2551]], the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V|Mark V]] generation was introduced.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_012910 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update - 1/29/10'']</ref><ref name="EVG 119"/> This version featured [[energy shielding]] technology, which was previously thought to be impossible to reverse-engineer from [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] technology. It also introduced the ability to accommodate a starship-grade [[smart artificial intelligence]]. In late 2552, the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI|Mark VI]] was introduced. Though it offered few groundbreaking improvements over the Mark V, aside from an automated [[biofoam]] injection system, numerous components were refined, making the Mark VI among the most powerful pieces of technology ever created by [[human]]ity. | On [[2551|November 24, 2551]], the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V|Mark V]] generation was introduced.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_012910 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update - 1/29/10'']</ref><ref name="EVG 119"/> This version featured [[energy shielding]] technology, which was previously thought to be impossible to reverse-engineer from [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] technology. It also introduced the ability to accommodate a starship-grade [[smart artificial intelligence]]. In late 2552, the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI|Mark VI]] was introduced. Though it offered few groundbreaking improvements over the Mark V, aside from an automated [[biofoam]] injection system, numerous components were refined, making the Mark VI among the most powerful pieces of technology ever created by [[human]]ity. | ||
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==== MJOLNIR variants ==== | ==== MJOLNIR variants ==== | ||
In addition to the main MJOLNIR series, Materials Group developed several purpose-specific variants. Though several other variants have been produced, they were designed by private defense contractors, not by Materials Group. | In addition to the main MJOLNIR series, Materials Group developed several purpose-specific variants. Though several other variants have been produced, they were designed by private defense contractors, not by Materials Group. | ||
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== Known facilities == | == Known facilities == | ||
[[File:Damascus Facility.png|thumb|The Damascus Materials Testing Facility on Chi Ceti IV.]] | |||
*[[Damascus Materials Testing Facility]] - When this facility was attacked by the Covenant vessel ''[[Unrelenting]]'' on [[2525#November|November 27, 2525]], the SPARTAN-IIs were deployed to destroy the ship, resulting in the death of [[Samuel-034]]. The Covenant then deployed a [[science lance]] to the facility to retrieve any useful technology,<ref>'''[[Halo Wars]]''' timeline</ref> though this incursion was seemingly unsuccessful, as Materials Group held the facility throughout the [[Human-Covenant War]].<ref name="EVG 85"/> The Damascus facility's staff developed both the EOD and Grenadier variants of the MJOLNIR system. | *[[Damascus Materials Testing Facility]] - When this facility was attacked by the Covenant vessel ''[[Unrelenting]]'' on [[2525#November|November 27, 2525]], the SPARTAN-IIs were deployed to destroy the ship, resulting in the death of [[Samuel-034]]. The Covenant then deployed a [[science lance]] to the facility to retrieve any useful technology,<ref>'''[[Halo Wars]]''' timeline</ref> though this incursion was seemingly unsuccessful, as Materials Group held the facility throughout the [[Human-Covenant War]].<ref name="EVG 85"/> The Damascus facility's staff developed both the EOD and Grenadier variants of the MJOLNIR system. | ||
*[[Beta-5 Division Ordnance Testing Facility]] - This facility was responsible for the parallel development of the Scout and Recon variants of the Mark VI MJOLNIR armor. | *[[Beta-5 Division Ordnance Testing Facility]] - This facility was responsible for the parallel development of the Scout and Recon variants of the Mark VI MJOLNIR armor. | ||
*[[Low/Zero Gravity Testing Facility]] - This facility developed and manufactured the MJOLNIR EVA variant after the [[Summa Deep Space Incident]], prompting a desire to improve performance in limited-gravity/evacuated environments.<ref name="EVG 66"/> | *[[Low/Zero Gravity Testing Facility]] - This facility developed and manufactured the MJOLNIR EVA variant after the [[Summa Deep Space Incident]], prompting a desire to improve performance in limited-gravity/evacuated environments.<ref name="EVG 66"/> | ||
*[[Weapons Research Facility T12A]] - This facility's HRUNTING research team was responsible for the development of the [[HRUNTING Mark III (B) Exoskeleton]], commonly known as the Cyclops. Later, HRUNTING was merged with the YGGDRASIL program, leading to the development of the [[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark I Prototype Armor Defense System]]. This facility was attacked by the Covenant during or after [[2548]], and was destroyed when a [[Ghost (Marine)|sergeant]] from the [[UNSC Engineering Corps]] activated the self-destruct sequence of the only known HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL suit, killing the invading Covenant forces.<ref>'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 44''</ref><ref>'''Halo Legends''', ''Prototype''</ref> | *[[Weapons Research Facility T12A]] - This facility's HRUNTING research team was responsible for the development of the [[HRUNTING Mark III (B) Exoskeleton]], commonly known as the Cyclops. Later, HRUNTING was merged with the YGGDRASIL program, leading to the development of the [[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark I Prototype Armor Defense System]]. This facility was attacked by the Covenant during or after [[2548]], and was destroyed when a [[Ghost (Marine)|sergeant]] from the [[UNSC Engineering Corps]] activated the self-destruct sequence of the only known HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL suit, killing the invading Covenant forces.<ref>'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 44''</ref><ref>'''Halo Legends''', ''Prototype''</ref> | ||
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== List of appearances == | == List of appearances == | ||
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}} | *''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}} | ||