MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN2): Difference between revisions

The GEN2 Mjolnir armor was initially developed and created by the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]]'s [[Materials Group]] as a response to the emerging [[SPARTAN-IV program]], initiated on [[2553#January|January 7, 2553]].<ref name="spartans waypoint">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/spartans '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Spartans'']</ref> Several early models of the GEN2 Mjolnir armor were field tested by Spartan [[Tedra Grant]].<ref>'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 24''</ref> Some of the first contemporary models of the GEN2 Mjolnir armor were first tested in combat in [[2553#January|January 2553]] when [[New Colonial Alliance]] forces launched [[Raid on UNSC Infinity|a raid]] on the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} and the five Spartan-IVs in-training aboard the [[warship]] were forced to don the armor to help combat the insurgents.<ref name="hei2"/>

As of [[2558]], GEN2 armor is standard-issue for nearly all active Spartans, having replaced the [[Semi-Powered Infiltration armor]] of the [[SPARTAN-III program|Spartan-IIIs]].<ref name="fifty caliber">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-fifty-caliber '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Fifty Caliber'']</ref> The remaining active [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan-II]]s, such as those on [[Blue Team]], have since donned GEN2 armor.<ref name="warfare">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-conventional-warfare '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Conventional Warfare'']</ref> Initially, Spartan-II [[Naomi-010]] used [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VII|MJOLNIR Mark VII Powered Assault Armor]], the last iteration of the first generation of Mjolnir armor.<ref name="glass291">'''[[Halo: Glasslands]]''', ''page 291''</ref> However, Mark VII never saw full implementation with the rest of the Spartan-IIs due to its complexity and expense. Eventually, the UNSC determined that continuing to fund the first generation of Mjolnir armor that was only focused on the Spartan-IIs was not worth the costs, particularly given the escalating costs and capabilities of the newer Spartan-IIIs and Spartan-IVs in GEN2 armor.<ref name="universe"/> As a result, the Mark VII has largely been phased out of production in favor of the GEN2 Mjolnir, though many technologies developed for the Mark VII have since been incorporated into the GEN2 armor.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-reqlamation-begins '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Reqlamation Begins'']</ref>

While the previous iteration of the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]] was often—though, not always—created and manufactured by organizations, departments, and branches of the [[United Nations Space Command]], the [[Unified Earth Government]] has contracted numerous corporations to design GEN2 armor variants. For example, [[RKD Group]] was responsible for designing the [[MIRMILLION-class Mjolnir|MIRMILLION-class armor variant]], though the group contracted [[Korolev Heavy Industries]] to produce the armor and licensed the suit's [[MJOLNIR GEN2 BIOS|BIOS]] from [[Applied Heuristics]]. Even major military-industrial concerns, such as [[Beweglichkeitsrüstungsysteme]], no longer control all aspects of their armors' tactical packages and software,<ref name="canon fodder armory">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-armory-amore '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Armory Armore'']</ref> both within the military and among private contractors. Production of some GEN1 variants was shifted between corporate entities, while other contracts were transferred from the military to private industries. In addition to these larger corporations, a major policy shift within the UEG has led to smaller corporations and businesses being given the opportunity to compete in the paramilitary, military, and security markets.<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians''', ''Foucault visor description''</ref> Many smaller industrial design firms and military subcontractors have used the common GEN2 Mjolnir software and exoskeleton as a springboard for their own innovations.<ref name="canon fodder armory"/> Nonetheless, UNSC organizations, such as Materials Group and the [[Watershed Division]], still continue to manufacture several variants of the GEN2 Mjolnir armor.<ref name="warfare"/>

In addition to human corporations, select other species have had a role in the development of some iterations of GEN2 Mjolnir armor and its components. Notably, the [[HELIOSKRILL-class Mjolnir]] was designed by a [[Sangheili]] artisan-armorer designer who had managed to reverse-engineer the Mjolnir armor in an effort to test her skills against humanity's best armor manufacturers. This Mjolnir variant is designed by [[Sanghelios]]' [[Kolaar Manufactorum]] and fielded among the Spartan-IVs.<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians''', ''Helioskrill armor description''</ref> Some VISR designs have been created using high-tier [[Nanolaminate hull plating|nanolaminates]] and scanning elements provided by the Sangheili,<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians''', ''Dauntless visor description''</ref> while others are even compatible with the [[Combat harness|Sangheili combat harness]].<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians''', ''Saturnine visor description''</ref> As ties between the [[Swords of Sanghelios]] and UEG strengthen, many Sangheili artisans have gained interests in working with GEN2 armor.<ref name="canon fodder armory"/> The "King" VISR utilized by some Spartans was initially created by a bored [[Huragok]] and subsequent attempts to copy the design have been met with varying levels of failure.<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians''', ''King visor description''</ref> Even [[Forerunner]] technology has been incorporated into the armor.<ref name="fifty caliber"/> Additionally, VISR kits with an unknown manufacturer have been found by ONI operatives in the arms markets of the [[Venezian Militia|insurgent]]-controlled [[Venezia]].<ref>'''Halo 5: Guardians''', ''Dianthus visor description''</ref>

The armor was designed to compensate for the [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan-IVs]]' less extensive [[SPARTAN-IV Augmentation Program|physical augmentations]] in comparison to the previous [[SPARTAN-II program|two]] [[SPARTAN-III program|generations]]. As a result, the armor multiplies the strength of its wearer significantly more than the first-generation suits, granting the Spartan-IVs roughly equal strength as their predecessors while wearing the suit.<ref name="frankie"/><ref>[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/06/11/halo-5-guardians-unmasking-the-fireteam-hunting-master-chief.aspx '''GameInformer.com''': ''Halo 5: Guardians - Unmasking The Fireteam Hunting Master Chief'']</ref> The GEN2 suit is also lighter and stronger in construction than the first-generation Mjolnir line,<ref name="O+A"/><ref name="Game Informer May 2012"/><ref name="frankie"/> weighing approximately a couple hundred kilograms.<ref>'''Halo: New Blood''', ''page 157'' (Google Play edition)</ref> GEN2 Mjolnir integrates the vast majority of the armor's vital hardware systems within the inner techsuit itself, allowing for more streamlined production and easier implementation of specialized subsystems and armatures.<ref name="universe"/>

The GEN2 armor incorporates new ''ad hoc'' modification systems which allow the armor to use [[armor abilities]], [[tactical packages]], and [[support upgrades]].<ref name="H4">'''[[Halo 4]]'''</ref> Like its GEN1 predecessors it is backwards compatible—through hardware and firmware upgrades—with previous armor systems, including the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV|Mark IV]], [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V|Mark V]], [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI|Mark VI]], and the MJOLNIR variant of the [[ODST armor|Orbital Drop Shock Troopers' armor]].<ref name="RT13">'''Rooster Teeth Expo 2013'''</ref> In addition, GEN2 armor features integration with [[artificial intelligence]]s, ranging from volitional [[smart AI]]s to simpler, yet still complex, [[dumb AI]]s. The AIs that manage the Mjolnir BIOS and VISR are generally passive helpers that integrate, prioritize, and even subtly alter the torrent of data and sensory overrides fed to the armor's Spartan user, simplifying the chaos of the battlefield and reducing confusion. These AIs also handle mundane administrative tasks by filing munition expenditure forms, battle damage assessments, kill reports, and other paperwork on behalf of the Spartan. The typical suit of Mjolnir armor carries around a dozen or so of these AIs, each specialized in numerous tasks of war and science to aid the Spartan they are attached to. While these AIs are incapable of a human's oversight, they are still a valuable component of the armor.<ref name="canon fodder armory"/>

The [[BROKKR Armor Mechanism]] is a Da Vinci multi-axis assembly system used to mount Mjolnir onto a Spartan's techsuit.<ref name="Mythos128"/>

An assortment of armor configurations are available for all new Spartan-IV recruits as per [[UNSC Regulation 3A-950]], and Spartans are capable of customizing their individual armor set with modular components from a wide range of special-purpose variants, based on their personal preferences, specialization and mission requirements. Selecting variants for purely cosmetic reasons is discouraged. The UNSC strictly forbids Spartans from attempting to repair or modify their armor on their own; all armor maintenance is only to be performed by qualified Class-61 technicians in dedicated facilities.<ref name="packet">'''[[Halo 4 Limited Edition]]''', ''[[Infinity Briefing Packet]]''</ref> Unlike the generally green coloration of the Spartan-IIs' Mjolnir armor, Spartan-IV armor comes in a profusion of distinct color patterns, with the members of specific teams sometimes (though not always) sporting a consistent coloration.<ref name="spops">'''Halo 4''', ''Spartan Ops''</ref> However, any customization of the armor color must be in accordance to [[UNSC Equipment Code 20.00.62]].<ref name="packet"/> The paint used on each GEN2 Mjolnir armor set is known to quickly deteriorate in combat, as little effort was made to invest in stronger quality paint.<ref name="nb153"/>

*'''[[OPERATOR-class Mjolnir|Operator]]''' - A variant designed to optimize vehicle operation, upgraded from GEN1<ref name="The Halo Bulletin: 8.15.12"/>

*'''[[PATHFINDER-class Mjolnir|Pathfinder]]''' - A variant designed for missions in intel-poor environments<ref name="LE Contents"/>

*'''[[PIONEER-class Mjolnir|Pioneer]]''' - A variant designed for missions in unfamiliar, hostile environments<ref name="The Halo Bulletin: 8.15.12"/>

*'''[[PREFECT-class Mjolnir|Prefect]]''' - A variant based on [[Forerunner personal armor]]<ref name="RT13"/>

*'''[[RECRUIT-class Mjolnir|Recruit]]''' - Issued to all Spartan-IV recruits prior to qualification for specialized models<ref name="LE Contents"/>

*'''[[RICOCHET-class Mjolnir|Ricochet]]''' - A variant designed for use in [[Gravball#Ricochet|Ricochet]] combat training exercises<ref name="RT13"/>

*'''[[ROGUE-class Mjolnir|Rogue]]''' - A variant designed for extended solo operations, upgraded from GEN1<ref name="The Halo Bulletin: 8.15.12"/>

*'''[[STALKER-class Mjolnir|Stalker]]''' - A variant designed to aid in covert shadowing of a target, derived from [[Jiralhanae Stalker]] stealth harnesses<ref name="The Halo Bulletin: 8.15.12"/>

*'''[[TRACKER-class Mjolnir|Tracker]]''' - A variant designed to aid in long-range pursuit of targets<ref name="The Halo Bulletin: 8.15.12"/>

*'''[[WETWORK-class Mjolnir|Wetwork]]''' - A variant designed for assassination operations<ref name="The Halo Bulletin: 8.15.12"/>

*'''[[Contoured]]:''' This variant is manufactured by [[Lethbridge Industrial]]. The forearms were favored during the hostilities of the [[Thales|Thales Expedition]]. The legs were based on native Sangheili equipment.<ref name="H4"/> There is a SHARD skin for this set.

*'''[[GV-09 Locking]]:''' These forearms are manufactured by [[Acheron Security]] on the planet [[Mars]]. These improve comfort through modularity.<ref name="H4"/> There is a FOREST skin related to HAZOP armor.

*'''[[Inner-plated]]:''' This variant is manufactured by the [[Materials Group]]. These forearms gained popularity during the revolt on [[Terceira]].<ref name="H4"/> There is a WEB skin related to CIO armor.

*'''[[LG-50 Bulk]]:''' This variant is manufactured by [[Imbrium Machine Complex]]. The legs were designed with intentional redundancy to decrease risk of breach.<ref name="H4"/> There is a PULSE skin related to GUNGIR armor.

*'''[[Outer-plated]]:''' The forearms of this variant are manufactured by Lethbridge Industrial. The forearms were originally conceived for engagement operators on Cascade. The legs of this variant are manufactured by the Materials Group. The whole system saw little activity until the Concord incident in [[2554]].<ref name="H4"/> The wrists have a RAPTOR skin related to Venator armor. The Legs have a CIRCUIT skin related to Oceanic armor.

*'''[[Over-locking]]:''' This variant is manufactured by the Imbrium Machine Complex. The legs have seen recent exposure with outworld security personnel.<ref name="H4"/> There is a WEB skin related to CIO armor.

*'''[[RG-63 Counter]]:''' This variant is manufactured by Imbrium Machine Complex. These forearms were developed based on intel from the [[Harvest campaign]].<ref name="H4"/> There is a PRIME skin related to Recruit armor. There is a FOREST skin related to HAZOP armor.

*'''[[Twin-plated]]:''' This variant is manufactured by [[Naphtali Contractor Corporation]]. These forearms first saw use in [[2556]], but were prototyped during Mjolnir's GEN1 era.<ref name="H4"/> There is a AEON skin for this set.

*'''[[XG-89 Narrow]]:''' This variant is manufactured by the Materials Group. The narrow-slat legs excel at shield distribution while reducing ceramic profile.<ref name="H4"/> There is a RAPTOR skin related to Venator armor.

*'''[[XV-27 Shifting]]:''' This variant is manufactured by Naphtali Contractor Corporation. These forearms were tested in the [[Buffalo Breaker Yards]].<ref name="H4"/> There is a CIRCUIT skin related to Oceanic armor. There is a PULSE skin related to GUNGNIR armor.

*'''[[Support upgrades]]''': These customized and specialized upgrades allow combat advantages by modifying the core and periphery systems of GEN2.<ref name="H4"/>

*'''Sprint module''': Unlike previous armor systems, Mjolnir GEN2 has a built-in sprint module that allows the user to run at faster speeds by overriding safety protocols.<ref name="O+A"/> It is functionally similar to the version developed by [[Kat-B320]] of [[NOBLE Team]], which saw widespread deployment across [[Reach]] in the planet's final days.<ref>''Halo: Reach'' game manual</ref>

*'''[[Tactical packages]]''': These customized and specialized packages allow combat advantages by modifying the core and periphery systems of GEN2.<ref name="H4"/>

*'''Titanium nanocomposite bodysuit''': Sandwiched between the external armor and the internal padding is a thick armored bodysuit. The bodysuit is made of a nonrigid titanium-based material, making it very strong and yet very flexible. The suit has numerous functions, small but vital to the safety and survival of the wearer. It also serves as another layer of protection against ballistics attacks and is coated with a heat-resistant material to disperse heat from [[plasma weaponry|plasma weapons]]. Many components of the GEN2's titanium bodysuit are conspicuously fashioned after the shape of human musculature; this was less prominent in previous Mjolnir generations. In fact, each techsuit is custom-made for the Spartan that wears it.<ref name="Techsuit info">[https://content.halocdn.com/media/Default/community/blogs/h5_cos_techsuit_female-c418e8df93ef422c97c743046ca8d5c8.jpg ''Halo 5: Guardians'' Female Spartan Techsuit profile]</ref> Some models have portions of the bodysuit share their color with the external armor plating, though completely black bodysuits are still common.<ref name="H4"/><ref name="H5G">'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'''</ref> Certain fireteams or individual operatives are outfitted with customized techsuits that contain a host of undisclosed improvements or modifications to fit particular mission parameters or operator need.<ref name="fowl"/> These polymuscle exoskeletons cannot be worn by unaugmented personnel, as many of the techsuit's medical and environmental control systems require invasive access to Spartan cybernetic implants. The techsuit is comfortable to wear for extended periods of time and constitutes the base of Spartans' service uniform, though it provides limited ability enhancement without access to external power. When paired with the compact fusion reactor and shield generators in a Mjolnir cuirass the full capabilities of the techsuit are unlocked. It contains channels and distribution webbing for regenerative energy shielding and the exoskeleton musculature can operate at full power, further increasing the wearer's agility and raw strength.<ref name="Techsuit info"/>