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During the early years of the [[Insurrection]] in the late 25th century, Materials Group developed the [[X23 Non-Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse Cannon]], which was designed to disable weapons of mass destruction before detonation. Though this technology had existed since the 20th century, the X23 was the first truly precise application of the technology. Once Materials Group deemed that the X23 was a viable tool, it was mounted on a transport chassis; this resulted in the creation of the [[XRP12 Combat Support Vehicle]], commonly known as the Gremlin.<ref name="EVG 83">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 83''</ref>
During the early years of the [[Insurrection]] in the late 25th century, Materials Group developed the [[X23 Non-Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse Cannon]], which was designed to disable weapons of mass destruction before detonation. Though this technology had existed since the 20th century, the X23 was the first truly precise application of the technology. Once Materials Group deemed that the X23 was a viable tool, it was mounted on a transport chassis; this resulted in the creation of the [[XRP12 Combat Support Vehicle]], commonly known as the Gremlin.<ref name="EVG 83">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 83''</ref>


=== Powered exoskeletons ===
====Project: YGGDRASIL====
[[File:Journal MK I.png|thumb|right|160px|A sketch of the Mark I exoskeleton by Dr. Halsey.]]
In [[2511]], 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/Reuse|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/Reuse|ENC}} this exoskeleton allowed the wearer to lift nearly two tons and to run at 32 km/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/Reuse|ENC}}{{Ref/Reuse|TFoR}}
 
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/Reuse|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/Reuse|ENC}}{{Ref/Reuse|TFoR}}<ref name="TFoR2">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 115 (2001 edition)'', ''page 137 (2010 edition)''</ref>
 
====HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL====
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{{Expand-section}}
   
   
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[[File:Still 01.jpg|thumb|left|160px|The Mark V MJOLNIR PAA, a groundbreaking iteration in the Materials Group's MJOLNIR series.]]
[[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}}
{{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/Reuse|EVG 118}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG 44}}{{Ref/Reuse|TFoR2}} 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]].  
Unimpressed with previous attempts at producing powered exoskeletons but requiring a battle suit to complement her [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan-IIs]], [[Catherine Halsey]] sought to develop an entirely new battle suit from the ground up. Working with Materials Group, she founded Project: MJOLNIR to achieve this aim, which Halsey felt was the realization of the goals of previous failed power armour and exoskeleton projects.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG 118}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG 44}}<ref name="TFoR2">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 115 (2001 edition)'', ''page 137 (2010 edition)''</ref> However, 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 production model 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]].  
 
Halsey intended for MJOLNIR to remain a single, continuous system that would be incrementally updated as upgrades became available. However, in [[2535]], Materials Group required that a generational categorisation system be introduced for the MJOLNIR armour, for the purposes of serialisation and prioritisation, and as a means of fiscal oversight. While Halsey was displeased with the mandate, she chose to comply in order to "keep the accountants out of [her] hair and her work", though she noted that she still intended to treat MJOLNIR as an evolving platform, with the categorisation system existing to make it seem neater on paper.<ref name="Journal2535">'''Dr. Halsey's personal journal''', ''January 7, 2535''</ref>


Halsey intended for MJOLNIR to remain a single, continuous system that would be incrementally updated as upgrades became available. However, in [[2535]] Materials Group mandated that subsequent iterations of MJOLNIR be released in distinct stages as a means of fiscal oversight; thus, against Halsey's wishes, the original version of MJOLNIR was retroactively named the Mark IV, suggesting continuity with the long-abandoned Mark I, II, and III exoskeletons.<ref>'''Dr. Halsey's personal journal''', ''January 7, 2535''</ref> Materials Group [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV#Advanced Hardware Program|continued to develop the main MJOLNIR series]], resulting in several superficially distinct versions which, despite their drastically different appearances, were all classified as the Mark IV due to their internal architecture.<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>
Consequently, the history and future of MJOLNIR was divided into discrete numbered classes. First, Marks I, II and III referred to three prototype iterations before the first production model. Next, all production models of MJOLNIR were grouped under the Mark IV banner, given their similar specifications. Finally, Halsey laid out a prospective roadmap of specifications for three future iterations, Mark V, Mark VI and Mark VII, though she expected these specifications to be mutable depending on time, budget and other limitations that could crop up.<ref name="Journal2535"/> Materials Group [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV#Advanced Hardware Program|continued to develop the main MJOLNIR series]], resulting in several superficially distinct versions which, despite their drastically different appearances, were all classified as Mark IV due to their internal architecture.<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>


On [[2551|November 24, 2551]], the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V|Mark V]] generation was introduced.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG 119}}<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_012910 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update - 1/29/10'']</ref> 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/Reuse|EVG 119}}<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_012910 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update - 1/29/10'']</ref> 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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*[[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/Reuse|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/Reuse|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 [[Project YGGDRASIL]], 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 Marine Corps of Engineers]] activated the self-destruct sequence of the only known HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL suit, killing the invading Covenant forces.{{Ref/Reuse|EVG 44}}<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 [[Project YGGDRASIL]], 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 Marine Corps of Engineers]] activated the self-destruct sequence of the only known HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL suit, killing the invading Covenant forces.<ref name="EVG 44">'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 44''</ref><ref>'''Halo Legends''', ''Prototype''</ref>
*[[WG/Facility 58-32/B5D]] - This facility is used to test several GEN2 Mjolnir armor.
*[[WG/Facility 58-32/B5D]] - This facility is used to test several GEN2 Mjolnir armor.
*Unidentified facility - This facility is responsible for manufacturing of GEN3 Mjolnir armor.
*Unidentified facility - This facility is responsible for manufacturing of GEN3 Mjolnir armor.

Revision as of 13:48, November 4, 2021

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 exoskeletons which preceded it,[1][2][3] as well as several specialized variant models.[4][5][6][7][8][9]

Known projects

XRP12 Gremlin

During the early years of the Insurrection in the late 25th century, Materials Group developed the X23 Non-Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse Cannon, which was designed to disable weapons of mass destruction before detonation. Though this technology had existed since the 20th century, the X23 was the first truly precise application of the technology. Once Materials Group deemed that the X23 was a viable tool, it was mounted on a transport chassis; this resulted in the creation of the XRP12 Combat Support Vehicle, commonly known as the Gremlin.[10]

Project: YGGDRASIL

Help.png This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it.

MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor

The Mark V MJOLNIR PAA, a groundbreaking iteration in the Materials Group's MJOLNIR series.
Main article: MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor

Unimpressed with previous attempts at producing powered exoskeletons but requiring a battle suit to complement her Spartan-IIs, Catherine Halsey sought to develop an entirely new battle suit from the ground up. Working with Materials Group, she founded Project: MJOLNIR to achieve this aim, which Halsey felt was the realization of the goals of previous failed power armour and exoskeleton projects.[1][11][12] However, 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 dangerous genetic modification to function safely. The first production model 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 November 27, 2525.

Halsey intended for MJOLNIR to remain a single, continuous system that would be incrementally updated as upgrades became available. However, in 2535, Materials Group required that a generational categorisation system be introduced for the MJOLNIR armour, for the purposes of serialisation and prioritisation, and as a means of fiscal oversight. While Halsey was displeased with the mandate, she chose to comply in order to "keep the accountants out of [her] hair and her work", though she noted that she still intended to treat MJOLNIR as an evolving platform, with the categorisation system existing to make it seem neater on paper.[13]

Consequently, the history and future of MJOLNIR was divided into discrete numbered classes. First, Marks I, II and III referred to three prototype iterations before the first production model. Next, all production models of MJOLNIR were grouped under the Mark IV banner, given their similar specifications. Finally, Halsey laid out a prospective roadmap of specifications for three future iterations, Mark V, Mark VI and Mark VII, though she expected these specifications to be mutable depending on time, budget and other limitations that could crop up.[13] Materials Group continued to develop the main MJOLNIR series, resulting in several superficially distinct versions which, despite their drastically different appearances, were all classified as Mark IV due to their internal architecture.[14]

On November 24, 2551, the Mark V generation was introduced.[2][15] This version featured energy shielding technology, which was previously thought to be impossible to reverse-engineer from Covenant technology. It also introduced the ability to accommodate a starship-grade smart artificial intelligence. In late 2552, the 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 humanity.

Following the end of the Human-Covenant War the Mark VI was quickly replaced by MJOLNIR GEN2.[16] While the MJOLNIR Mark VII was produced it was not as cost effective or versatile as the GEN2 platform.[17]

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.

  • MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV
    • Grenadier variant - Developed from early prototypes of the original MJOLNIR (later Mark IV) helmet. Provides superior armor and improved heads-up display to improve performance of grenadiers.[6]
    • EOD variant - Designed to increase survivability when in close proximity to an explosion. Developed and manufactured at the Damascus Materials Testing Facility, the development site of the original MJOLNIR.[4]
    • EVA variant - One of the earliest MJOLNIR variants. Designed to aid Spartans' mobility, field of view, and endurance during extra-vehicular activity. Developed and manufactured at Materials Group's Low/Zero Gravity Testing Facility in Lister, Aigburth, Ganymede.[5]
  • MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V
    • Grenadier variant
    • HAZOP variant - Introduced as a variant of the Mark V system. Designed to improve survivability in extremely hazardous environments. Prototypes were fielded in the years prior to launch.[7]
    • Recon variant - Designed to improve stealth by reducing infrared signature and Čerenkov radiation emissions. Developed at the Beta-5 Division's Ordnance Testing Facility in Swanbourne, Western Australia, parallel to the S variant.[8] After the Human-Covenant War, the Imbrium Machine Complex took ownership of Recon production.
    • Scout variant - Designed to improved stealth by reducing infrared signature and Čerenkov radiation emissions. Developed at B5D Ordnance Testing Facility in Swanbourne, Western Australia, parallel to the Mark VI/R variant.
  • MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI
    • EOD variant
    • EVA variant
    • Scout variant
    • Recon variant
    • Project HAYABUSA - Originally an independent powered armor project by the RKD think-tank, a MJOLNIR-compatible HAYABUSA variant was later developed after Materials Group contacted and pooled resources with RKD.
  • MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor [GEN2] - The second generation of MJOLNIR armor, replacing GEN1 (Mark IV-VII)
  • MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN3) - The third generation of MJOLNIR armor, replacing the former two MJOLNIR generations.
    • Mark V Zeta variant - Spartans assigned to ONI's Xeno-Materials Exploitation Group on Installation 07 found that their upgraded Mark V's mix of high-threat response and surveillance interlinks were ideal for the ring's peculiar operating environment.[18]
    • Mark VII variant - Though the GEN3 model of Mark VII MJOLNIR does represent a generational leap for the MJOLNIR platform for actively deployed Spartans, some elements tested with the GEN1 and GEN2 Mark VII remain in the prototype stage due to unreliability or cost factors, such as integration of Forerunner-derived nanomachine elements and full shield-shaping.[19]
    • Soldier variant - The latest iteration of the Soldier helmet features a new revision of Materials Group's combat catalyst firmware. The fireteam synchronization features remain unfinished circa 2560, but Dr. Halsey's interest may accelerate development.[20]

Known facilities

Unidentified Materials Group' facility orbiting unknown planet.

Gallery

  • A logo of Materials Group created to be a "visual ID".

    A logo of Materials Group created to be a "visual ID".

  • The Damascus Materials Testing Facility on Chi Ceti IV.

    The Damascus Materials Testing Facility on Chi Ceti IV.

  • Another Materials Group logo.

    Another Materials Group logo.

List of appearances

Sources

  1. ^ a b Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 118
  2. ^ a b Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 119
  3. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 120
  4. ^ a b Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 65
  5. ^ a b c Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 66
  6. ^ a b c Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 85
  7. ^ a b Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 92
  8. ^ a b Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 152
  9. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 165
  10. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 83
  11. ^ a b Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 44
  12. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 115 (2001 edition), page 137 (2010 edition)
  13. ^ a b Dr. Halsey's personal journal, January 7, 2535
  14. ^ Halo Waypoint: The MJOLNIR Project Part 2
  15. ^ Bungie.net: Bungie Weekly Update - 1/29/10
  16. ^ Halo: Initiation
  17. ^ Halo Waypoint: MJOLNIR
  18. ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Parallel Threads (Retrieved on Jun 25, 2021) [archive]
  19. ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Despite Distance (Retrieved on Jun 27, 2021) [archive]
  20. ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Showcase Sensitive (Retrieved on Jun 27, 2021) [archive]
  21. ^ Halo Wars timeline
  22. ^ Halo Legends, Prototype
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