MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor: Difference between revisions
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Created parallel to the [[SPARTAN-II program]] by the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]]'s [[Materials Group]], the Mjolnir armor is the most advanced piece of tactical military hardware in human hands. Each suit alone costs as much as a small starship. Ostensibly the brainchild of [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]], MJOLNIR is an attempt to create a powered exoskeleton capable of taking full advantage of the physical capabilities of a Spartan.<ref name="sybex">'''Halo: Combat Evolved PC Strategy Guide''', ''page 5''</ref> MJOLNIR's development actually came about due to a millennia-old ''[[geas]]'' that manifested itself within Halsey. Near the end of the [[Forerunner-Flood war]], the [[Librarian]] planted genetic directives that would lead to the development of powered armor, along with the creation of the Spartans and sophisticated [[artificial intelligence]]. This was done in preparation for humanity's task of reclaiming the [[Mantle]].<ref>'''Halo 4''', campaign level ''[[Reclaimer (level)|Reclaimer]]''</ref> | Created parallel to the [[SPARTAN-II program]] by the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]]'s [[Materials Group]], the Mjolnir armor is the most advanced piece of tactical military hardware in human hands. Each suit alone costs as much as a small starship. Ostensibly the brainchild of [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]], MJOLNIR is an attempt to create a powered exoskeleton capable of taking full advantage of the physical capabilities of a Spartan.<ref name="sybex">'''Halo: Combat Evolved PC Strategy Guide''', ''page 5''</ref> MJOLNIR's development actually came about due to a millennia-old ''[[geas]]'' that manifested itself within Halsey. Near the end of the [[Forerunner-Flood war]], the [[Librarian]] planted genetic directives that would lead to the development of powered armor, along with the creation of the Spartans and sophisticated [[artificial intelligence]]. This was done in preparation for humanity's task of reclaiming the [[Mantle]].<ref>'''Halo 4''', campaign level ''[[Reclaimer (level)|Reclaimer]]''</ref> | ||
Spanning over three decades of development, Project MJOLNIR encompassed more | Spanning over three decades of development, Project MJOLNIR encompassed more than just a suit of armor, but as a pioneering effort intended to shatter current technological barriers. In its final iteration, Mjolnir is a highly advanced suit capable of further enhancing the Spartans' physical performance while also doubling as a platform capable of handling an artificial intelligence network.<ref name="ENCY">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 88''</ref> | ||
Unlike the powered exoskeletons that preceded it, the Mjolnir battlesuit was designed from the ground up as a suit of armor; its design philosophy would serve as a basis for all future powered and semi-powered armor system designs.<ref name="ENCY"/> Each generation of the Mjolnir battlesuit is composed of major fundamental components; construction of the suit is done in overlapping layers and has been remarked of it being akin to a giant three-dimensional puzzle.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''' ''page 116'' (2001 edition), ''page 133'' (definitive edition) ''page 138'' (2010 edition)</ref> The armor's shell is composed of a multilayer alloy of remarkable strength and has been augmented with a refractive coating capable of dispersing a limited amount of Covenant [[Directed energy weapon|energy weapon]] strikes.<ref name="xbox">[[Xbox.com/Halo/Armor|'''Xbox.com''': MJOLNIR armor overview'']] (archived)</ref><ref name="FoR1">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 114-115'' (2001 edition) ''page 131'' (definitive edition) ''page 137'' (2010 edition)</ref> The suit contains a gel-filled layer underneath a thick black armored bodysuit. The gel layer regulates temperature and can reactively change its density. The inner skinsuit is made of a moisture-absorbing synthetic material linked to an environment control computer and the occupant's UNSC-issue [[neural interface]].<ref name="xbox"/><ref name="FoR1"/> | Unlike the powered exoskeletons that preceded it, the Mjolnir battlesuit was designed from the ground up as a suit of armor; its design philosophy would serve as a basis for all future powered and semi-powered armor system designs.<ref name="ENCY"/> Each generation of the Mjolnir battlesuit is composed of major fundamental components; construction of the suit is done in overlapping layers and has been remarked of it being akin to a giant three-dimensional puzzle.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''' ''page 116'' (2001 edition), ''page 133'' (definitive edition) ''page 138'' (2010 edition)</ref> The armor's shell is composed of a multilayer alloy of remarkable strength and has been augmented with a refractive coating capable of dispersing a limited amount of Covenant [[Directed energy weapon|energy weapon]] strikes.<ref name="xbox">[[Xbox.com/Halo/Armor|'''Xbox.com''': MJOLNIR armor overview'']] (archived)</ref><ref name="FoR1">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 114-115'' (2001 edition) ''page 131'' (definitive edition) ''page 137'' (2010 edition)</ref> The suit contains a gel-filled layer underneath a thick black armored bodysuit. The gel layer regulates temperature and can reactively change its density. The inner skinsuit is made of a moisture-absorbing synthetic material linked to an environment control computer and the occupant's UNSC-issue [[neural interface]].<ref name="xbox"/><ref name="FoR1"/> | ||
The battlesuit is a sealed system, capable of [[extra-vehicular activity]] for a limited amount of time or operations in toxic atmosphere.<ref name="xbox"/> It is hardened against [[Electromagnetic pulse|EMP]] and [[radiation]], and has filters that are completely effective at removing toxins and bacteria from local atmosphere.<ref name="xbox"/> Between the external armor and the internal padding is the most devastating weapon the suit carries: a layer of [[polymerized lithium niobocene]], a liquid metal crystal that deforms along a preferred axis when exposed to an electric charge.<ref name="journalsep">'''[[Dr. Halsey's personal journal]]''' ''September 1, 2525''</ref | The battlesuit is a sealed system, capable of [[extra-vehicular activity]] for a limited amount of time or operations in toxic atmosphere.<ref name="xbox"/> It is hardened against [[Electromagnetic pulse|EMP]] and [[radiation]], and has filters that are completely effective at removing toxins and bacteria from local atmosphere.<ref name="xbox"/> Between the external armor and the internal padding is the most devastating weapon the suit carries: a layer of [[polymerized lithium niobocene]], a liquid metal crystal that deforms along a preferred axis when exposed to an electric charge.<ref name="xbox"/><ref name="journalsep">'''[[Dr. Halsey's personal journal]]''' ''September 1, 2525''</ref> Woven by molecular tools into a capillary system, this layer is amorphous, yet amplifies force, doubling lifting capability and increasing reaction time by a factor of five. Because the Mjolnir system is so reactive, it can only be worn by a physically augmented human; ordinary people are unable to use the suit without injuring themselves.<ref name="xbox"/><ref name="FoR2">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 115'' (2001 edition) ''page 132'' (definitive edition) ''page 137'' (2010 edition)</ref><ref name="journal1">'''Dr. Halsey's personal journal''' ''June 30, 2525''</ref> | ||
The Mjolnir battlesuit's greatest advantage, however, is a super-dense optical computer memory. This revolutionary solid-based crystalline layer forms a network within the suit's frame of proper size and capability of housing the types of artificial intelligence usually reserved for starships. Essentially a piggyback system, an AI can be delivered to the suit via a [[data crystal chip]] storage device no larger than a personal credit card. The AI's personality and processing matrices can be carried by the armor and in conjunction with the user, can neurally link with a being that has nearly unfettered control over mathematics, information and body control. Such technology did not exist when work began on the Mark I prototypes.<ref name="xbox"/><ref name="ENCY2">'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 89''</ref> | The Mjolnir battlesuit's greatest advantage, however, is a super-dense optical computer memory. This revolutionary solid-based crystalline layer forms a network within the suit's frame of proper size and capability of housing the types of artificial intelligence usually reserved for starships. Essentially a piggyback system, an AI can be delivered to the suit via a [[data crystal chip]] storage device no larger than a personal credit card. The AI's personality and processing matrices can be carried by the armor and in conjunction with the user, can neurally link with a being that has nearly unfettered control over mathematics, information and body control. Such technology did not exist when work began on the Mark I prototypes.<ref name="xbox"/><ref name="ENCY2">'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 89''</ref> | ||
The functionality of the Mjolnir system is unprecedented. Rather than being a traditional suit of body armor, the Mjolnir battlesuit works on a biomechanical level, allowing for direct user-controlled movement. Each human being has a molecular fiber network called the nervous system within their brain. Upon induction, all military personnel are issued a [[neural interface]], which is implanted at the base of the [[skull]] and cannot be removed.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 118'', (2001 edition) ''page 135'', (definitive edition) ''page 140'' (2010 edition)</ref | The functionality of the Mjolnir system is unprecedented. Rather than being a traditional suit of body armor, the Mjolnir battlesuit works on a biomechanical level, allowing for direct user-controlled movement. Each human being has a molecular fiber network called the nervous system within their brain. Upon induction, all military personnel are issued a [[neural interface]], which is implanted at the base of the [[skull]] and cannot be removed.<ref name="xbox"/><ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 118'', (2001 edition) ''page 135'', (definitive edition) ''page 140'' (2010 edition)</ref> Spartan-IIs received a [[SPARTAN neural interface|modified]] version of the neural lace specifically for the Mjolnir armor.<ref name="xbox"/> This neural lace, which consists of two core processor chips which is linked to receptors in the subject's brain, which is connected to an interface connection at the rear of the skull;<ref name="ENCY"/> reads the electrochemical signals sent from the brain and then translates these chemical signals into digital code.<ref name="xbox"/> As the electrochemical impulse travels down the axon to the muscle, the digital code is routed through the interface connection, to the suit's on board sensors, the input from the sensors is then read by the onboard computer and then like the human body itself sends an electrical impulse through the suit, as the impulse from the motor neuron hits the muscle, the electrical impulse from the suit causes the polymerized lithium niobecene to deform along a preferred axis, overlapping each other more, so that the layer gets shorter and fatter.<ref name="journal1"/><ref name="journaljul">'''Dr. Halsey's personal journal''' ''July 30, 2511''</ref> When the impulses from the suit stop, the polygonal pieces slide back to their original positions. At the same time, as the muscle fibers are responding to the impulses, signals are sent to the suit that this is occurring, as the muscle twitches the force being applied to the suit is accelerated through force-multiplying circuits, which amplify the force of the muscular twitch by a positive feedback loop in the armor. The end result is a fully neurally linked machine, the user's thoughts move the suit and in return the suit moves the user. The synthesis of machine and mind is so fast that it is almost impossible to chart reaction time.<ref name="FoR2"/><ref name="ENCY2"/> | ||
The suit also possesses other features that enhance its wearer's abilities. It has numerous clips, belts, and magnetic holsters for the attachment of additional weapons and ammunition; an advanced [[heads-up display]] (HUD), linked to sensors in the gloves which can detects the type of weapons and devices held, and to project shield strength, ammunition count, a [[Reticule|targeting reticule]], [[Navigation point|waypoints]], a [[COM|radio uplink]] for communication, health monitoring and restoration system, regenerative food materials and other helpful data. | The suit also possesses other features that enhance its wearer's abilities. It has numerous clips, belts, and magnetic holsters for the attachment of additional weapons and ammunition; an advanced [[heads-up display]] (HUD), linked to sensors in the gloves which can detects the type of weapons and devices held, and to project shield strength, ammunition count, a [[Reticule|targeting reticule]], [[Navigation point|waypoints]], a [[COM|radio uplink]] for communication, health monitoring and restoration system, regenerative food materials and other helpful data. | ||
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[[File:Journal_MK_I.png|thumb|A sketch of the Mark I exoskeleton by Dr. Halsey]] | [[File:Journal_MK_I.png|thumb|A sketch of the Mark I exoskeleton by Dr. Halsey]] | ||
====Mark I exoskeleton==== | ====Mark I exoskeleton==== | ||
Initiated in [[2515]], the Mark I was one of ONI's first experiments with powered exoskeletons. More human-powered defense structures than suits, the Mark I took ten years to develop, but was bulky, unwieldy and needed to be tethered to a power source due to the tremendous amount of energy needed to power it.<ref name="ENCY"/> This caused the system's downfall, as it required a physical connection to a fusion generator which hindered movement.<ref name="ENCY"/><ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 70'', (2001 edition) ''page 79'', (definitive edition) ''page 89'' (2010 edition)</ref> The Mark I prototype exoskeleton improved the strength and stamina of the wearer and allowed the user to lift two tons (4,000 pounds) and run at 32 km/h (19.88 mph) for extended periods of time.<ref name="ENCY"/> The Mark I contained a cutting-edge onboard computer that could assist the wearer by transmitting tactical and communications information to the standard neural implant issued to a soldier, though the suit did not possess the ability to carry an AI.<ref name="ENCY"/> The armor could also be equipped with motion sensors and infrared scopes, and it could be mounted with a 30mm minigun that fired on self-targeting armatures.<ref name="FoR3">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 71'', (2001 edition) ''page 81'', (definitive edition) ''page 90'' (2010 edition)</ref> | Initiated in [[2515]], the Mark I was one of ONI's first experiments with powered exoskeletons. More human-powered defense structures than suits, the Mark I took ten years to develop, but was bulky, unwieldy and needed to be tethered to a power source due to the tremendous amount of energy needed to power it.<ref name="ENCY"/> This caused the system's downfall, as it required a physical connection to a fusion generator which hindered movement.<ref name="ENCY"/><ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 70'', (2001 edition) ''page 79'', (definitive edition) ''page 89'' (2010 edition)</ref> The Mark I prototype exoskeleton improved the strength and stamina of the wearer and allowed the user to lift two tons (4,000 pounds) and run at 32 km/h (19.88 mph) for extended periods of time.<ref name="ENCY"/> The Mark I contained a cutting-edge onboard computer that could assist the wearer by transmitting tactical and communications information to the standard neural implant issued to a soldier, though the suit did not possess the ability to carry an AI.<ref name="ENCY"/> The armor could also be equipped with motion sensors and infrared scopes, and it could be mounted with a 30mm minigun that fired on self-targeting armatures.<ref name="FoR3">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 71'', (2001 edition) ''page 81'', (definitive edition) ''page 90'' (2010 edition)</ref> | ||
Research and development for the Mark I was carried out at Section Three's headquarters inside [[CASTLE Base]] on [[Reach]], though the final assembly of components occurred at the [[Damascus Materials Testing Facility]] on [[Chi Ceti IV]].<ref name="ENCY"/> At least forty Mark I suits were produced; although they never saw battlefield deployment, many were converted to carry heavy equipment in docking bays, and dozens of others were dumped into Reach's titanium mines.<ref name="ENCY"/> The Mark I exoskeletons were later used by trainers of the SPARTAN-IIs to protect themselves against the Spartans' newly acquired strength. Otherwise, the training could have killed them, as evidenced when three trainers were accidentally killed during hand-to-hand combat exercises against the Spartans.<ref name="FoR3"/> | Research and development for the Mark I was carried out at Section Three's headquarters inside [[CASTLE Base]] on [[Reach]], though the final assembly of components occurred at the [[Damascus Materials Testing Facility]] on [[Chi Ceti IV]].<ref name="ENCY"/> At least forty Mark I suits were produced; although they never saw battlefield deployment, many were converted to carry heavy equipment in docking bays, and dozens of others were dumped into Reach's titanium mines.<ref name="ENCY"/> The Mark I exoskeletons were later used by trainers of the SPARTAN-IIs to protect themselves against the Spartans' newly acquired strength. Otherwise, the training could have killed them, as evidenced when three trainers were accidentally killed during hand-to-hand combat exercises against the Spartans.<ref name="FoR3"/> | ||
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=====Mark IV===== | =====Mark IV===== | ||
{{Main|MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV}} | {{Main|MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV}} | ||
Although earlier attempts at developing high-powered armor produced designs that were impractical for battlefield deployment, the Mark IV Mjolnir powered exoskeleton would be the first successful powered armor system that saw deployment onto the battlefield. Developed by Dr. Catherine Halsey, the Mark IV was a radical redesign of powered exoskeletons making use of technological innovations that did not exist when work on the previous exoskeletons began, such as a miniature fusion reactor embedded in later versions of the armor. The Mark IV Mjolnir armor was fielded from November 27, 2525 to November 24, 2551.<ref>[http:// | Although earlier attempts at developing high-powered armor produced designs that were impractical for battlefield deployment, the Mark IV Mjolnir powered exoskeleton would be the first successful powered armor system that saw deployment onto the battlefield. Developed by Dr. Catherine Halsey, the Mark IV was a radical redesign of powered exoskeletons making use of technological innovations that did not exist when work on the previous exoskeletons began, such as a miniature fusion reactor embedded in later versions of the armor. The Mark IV Mjolnir armor was fielded from November 27, 2525 to November 24, 2551.<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_012910 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update: 01.29.10'']</ref> | ||
=====Mark V===== | =====Mark V===== | ||
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*'''Integrated communications helmet:''' | *'''Integrated communications helmet:''' | ||
The Mjolnir helmet is one of the most vital aspects to the MJOLNIR armor system. It is made of [[titanium]] and features a [[heads-up display]], that links to the brain and hands, and can identify equipment and display information about it when it is picked up by the wearer. | The Mjolnir helmet is one of the most vital aspects to the MJOLNIR armor system. It is made of [[titanium]] and features a [[heads-up display]], that links to the brain and hands, and can identify equipment and display information about it when it is picked up by the wearer. An environmental control unit that includes filters to remove toxins from the atmosphere, and a rebreather to automatically supply oxygen to the wearer during EVA. In addition the helmet is packed with thermal and motion sensors, communications, solar-powered lighting, and imaging and video gear. | ||
The most important feature though, is the direct neural interface system which connects to a Spartan's neural implants. Two core processor chips are implanted into the subjects skull in the rear of the head. This is essentially comparable to an on board computer using parts of the human brain for processing - when the connector at the rear of the subject's head and receptors in the brain link to the helmets on board sensors it creates the neural link needed to move the MJOLNIR suit.<ref name="ENCY"/> | The most important feature though, is the direct neural interface system which connects to a Spartan's neural implants. Two core processor chips are implanted into the subjects skull in the rear of the head. This is essentially comparable to an on board computer using parts of the human brain for processing - when the connector at the rear of the subject's head and receptors in the brain link to the helmets on board sensors it creates the neural link needed to move the MJOLNIR suit.<ref name="ENCY"/> | ||
