MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI

The MJOLNIR Mark VI Powered Assault Armor issued in October 2552.

"Well, I guess it was all obsolete anyway. Your new suit's a Mark VI, just came up from Seongnam this morning."

— Master Gunns

The MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI was the third major version of the MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor. The last mainline MJOLNIR GEN1 suit to be issued to the SPARTAN-IIs, the Mark VI was issued to the few surviving SPARTAN-II supersoldiers in October 2552, replacing the Mark V. Shortly after the end of the Human-Covenant War, it was replaced by the Mark VII and MJOLNIR [GEN2]. However, it could still be requisitioned by SPARTAN-IV personnel as late as 2557.

Overview

Late into the war, as work on the MJOLNIR Mark V was being completed, a top-secret parallel development lab in Seongnam, United Korea, began work on their own prototype of Project: MJOLNIR; this would later become known as MJOLNIR: BLACK, a standalone "skunkworks" prototype of the Mark VI MJOLNIR armor. Using data from the existing and in-development versions of the MJOLNIR armor, the Seongnam team was able to produce a suit with many technical advancements not yet available to the standard MJOLNIR system. After extensive testing of prototype models in combat against the Covenant, the BLACK prototype was eventually inducted into the MJOLNIR line of combat exoskeletons and officially designated as the sixth version. It was approved for use after the loss of Reach and equipped to the surviving SPARTAN-IIs from Reach after their arrival on Earth.

The MJOLNIR Mark VI is capable of taking full advantage of the physical capabilities of a SPARTAN-II. The suit is constructed in overlapping layers. It is a sealed system, capable of extra-vehicular activity and operations in toxic atmosphere. It is hardened against electromagnetic pulses and radiation, and has filters that are completely effective at removing toxins and bacteria from local atmosphere.

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 number of impacts from Covenant energy weapons. 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.

An upgrade to the standard Neural Interface is issued to all high-ranking officers; another modified version of the neural lace is issued to all SPARTAN-IIs in the UNSC. This network translates electrochemical signals to digital code and routes them through an interface connection at the rear of the skull. Through this interface, the user's thoughts command the armor's movement and use of weapons, and input from the onboard sensors comes directly to the user's mind. The synthesis of machine and mind is so fast that it is almost impossible to chart reaction time.

Each suit of MJOLNIR Mark VI armor contains a layer of superconducting computer memory. Envisioned by Dr. Halsey, this revolutionary layer forms a network, capable of supporting the kinds of artificial intelligence usually reserved for starships, a piggyback system.

The suits also contain a strength-enhancing layer. This marvel of engineering uses piezoelectric properties to enhance and assist a Spartan's already prodigious muscle power, and grant superhuman feats of might.

The Mark VI generation largely solved problems with the previous versions of MJOLNIR armor. It had an improved energy shielding system, powered by a smaller fusion pack on the wearer's back. This shield system is much stronger and charges more quickly than the Mark V's. The suit also has denser yet less bulky armor plating, these streamlined plates have fewer grapple points than the Mark V so that an enemy has fewer advantages in close combat.

The biggest change, however, was the inclusion of automatic biofoam injectors. With the introduction of the Mark VI, these biofoam injectors have become an integral part of a SPARTAN's ability to function in battle. As a medical gel, it is used to fill and seal wounds automatically, although this process causes extreme pain. However while Biofoam allows a soldier to continue to perform his job without bleeding out, biofoam is only a temporary means of saving a person's life and medical attention must be received soon after before a person suffers more life threatening issues.

In addition, the Mark VI's liquid crystal and hydrostatic gel layers received significant improvements over the previous version. The liquid crystal layer increases the strength of the armor by a factor of five in addition to amplifying the users reaction time by the same factor. The hydrostatic layer features a lock-down device, which protects the muscles and joints of its Spartan wearer from heavy-impact injuries.

In addition to major component upgrades the Mark VI introduce a number of smaller technical improvements to components, these included recoil-compensating actuators which handle weapon feedback, as a SPARTAN is firing a weapon in combat these actuators handle a weapons recoil reducing it without affecting the performance of the Spartan user. The Mark VI also possesses an improved computer system which continuously monitors weapons, biological functions, and motion through intelligent motion tracker.

The third stage in the MJOLNIR evolution, the MJOLNIR Mark VI is a fully neural-linked system. With an onboard artificial intelligence using the human mind for parallel processing, the SPARTAN-II/MJOLNIR combination was the most devastating intelligence tool ever created.

Variants and compatibility

Being a modular armor system, the MJOLNIR can fulfill multiple combat roles and operate in various environments. A number of variants have been designed for to meet the mission requirements and situations. These variants are the pinnacle of MJOLNIR evolution from design and function gathered from data, feedback, incidents and general design improvements gather throughout the Human-Covenant War. MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI/tmp

Armor components

• Inner skinsuit: The inner skinsuit is made of a moisture-absorbing synthetic material linked to an environmental control computer and the occupant's neural interface. It controls the suit's temperature and actively changes how the suit fits the user.

• Integrated communications helmet: The ICH is one of the most vital aspects of the MJOLNIR system. It is made of Titanium, contains key features like a Heads Up Display, and can identify equipment and display information about it when it is picked up by the wearer. Another feature is the direct neural interface system, which connects to a SPARTAN-II'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 subjects head and receptors in the brain link to the helmets on board sensors it creates the neural link needed to move the MJOLNIR suit. The helmet also contains equipment to protect the user in hostile conditions, such as filters to remove toxins from the atmosphere, an oxygen supply to provide air to the wearer during EVA, thermal and motion trackers, radio communicators, solar-powered lighting, and imaging and video gear. The helmet also contains an AI housing located on the back of the helmet.

• Titanium alloy outer shell: The outer shell of the MJOLNIR armor is comprised of a fairly thick titanium alloy. This plating covers the chest, arms, hip, legs, calves, feet and hands. This alloy is very resilient, can take significant punishment, and is nearly impervious to small arms fire. While enough shots from armor piercing rounds will breach the outer shell, the suit can take a few glancing blows from them without compromising the armor. The outer shell of the all MJOLNIR suits is covered with a refractive coating to help disperse the heat experienced from Covenant energy weapons. However one or two direct hits from any Plasma weapon will compromise the armor plating.

• Titanium nanocomposite bodysuit: Sandwiched between the external armor and the internal padding is a thick black armored bodysuit. This suit has numerous functions, small but vital to the safety and survival of the wearer. The bodysuit is made of a titanium-based material, making it very strong and yet very flexible. It also serves as another layer of protection against ballistics attacks and is coated with a heat resistant material to disperse heat from Plasma weapons.

• Hydrostatic gel: Underneath the armored bodysuit is a gel-filled layer, this gel layer regulates the temperature of the suit and can re actively change its density to conform to the wearer's shape - the temperature inside the suit is controlled by the moisture absorbing cloth suit underneath the hydrostatic layer. The hydrostatic gel layer can also be pressurized to various levels to potentially save the wearers life should the wearer be subjected to high G forces or a high velocity impact; however, over-pressurizing this layer can cause nitrogen embolisms.

• Reactive metal liquid crystal layer: Sandwiched between the external armor and the internal padding is a layer of piezoelectric material that deforms along a preferred axis when exposed to a electric charge. This layer acts as synthetic muscle, allowing the Spartan access to approximately twice their normal strength when they were using the Mark IV armor; later versions appear to have increased their strength even further. This is not due to a "Leverage Effect," but rather that a human-sized suit will provide about six hundred kilos of lifting power, in addition to an average Spartan's six hundred kilos of lifting power. Assuming a Spartan has an average body weight of 200 kilos, and that CPO Mendez's assertion that: "They can lift three times their body weight- which, I might add, is almost double the norm due to their increased muscle density," is indeed accurate. It is to be noted that the MJOLNIR Mk. VI had a greatly improved layer of this material, granting an approximate five times usual strength.

• Memory-processor superconductor layer: A layer relatively new to the MJOLNIR line, introduced with the Mark V, that is capable of housing an AI. Comprised of the same material as a starship's AI system, this layer allows an A.I. to travel with a soldier into the field. The AI can then aid the soldier in software intrusion, hardware hacking, and espionage by listening to enemy chatter. As a side note, this layer is often confused with the Reactive Metal Liquid Crystal layer, which due to the latter's piezoelectric properties is impossible.

• Magnetic weapon holder strips: Available on the Marks IV, V, and VI, the magnetic strips are very small yet powerful magnets place on the legs, waist, and back of the suit and is used to hold any equipment with a magnetic property. The suit also contains a magnet system on the boots of the MJOLNIR suit that allow its wearer to stay attached to a metal surface in Zero G environments and can be toggled on or off by the wearer.

• Energy shields: First used on the Mark V, and later refined on the Mark VI, the energy shield device is reversed engineered from Covenant technology. Begun in 2532 forty scientists and technicians would spend the next 20 years attempting to make some use of the technology. For decades the attempts at cracking their technology had met with failure after failure, some had given up and others in the scientific community believed the energy shield technology could never be cracked. However at some point before 2552 a breakthrough was made and for the first time the UNSC had successfully cracked and improved upon the technology.

• Pressure seal: The pressure seal is a vital component to the MJOLNIR system, it keeps the system airtight, underwater or in space. The seal is very strong and will only break under extreme pressure, such as in a high velocity impact or when the hydrostatic gel has been over pressurized.

• Automatic biofoam injectors: Introduced on the Mark VI, biofoam injectors are an integral part of the systems ability that keep a SPARTAN-II functioning in battle. Biofoam is a medical gel that is used to fill and seal a wound automatically, it is also used to treat any infection that could occur as a result of the wound. The process of injecting, or applying the gel to a wound is extremely painful and is only a temporary solution; medical attention must be sought soon after to ensure survivability.

• Fusion reactor: The fusion reactor is the most essential part of the MJOLNIR system, as it provides power to all equipment on the MJOLNIR armor - the reactor is built into the suit and allows for nearly unlimited movement. The fusion reactor in all versions of the MJOLNIR armor are half the size of a normal fusion pack that conventional marines carry around.

• Force-multiplying circuits: Located throughout the armor, these systems boost the force applied by the user. They make hand-to-hand combat easier, but also make the armor difficult to adjust to; a slight motion can be translated into a potentially harmful one if not conducted correctly. For this reason it is only possible for Spartans to use this armor, as their strengthened bodies are able to withstand the increased power and speed of movement, which, in un-augmented human bodies, results in broken bones or death, due to spasms caused by the pain of broken bones.

• Reactive circuits: Reactive Circuits are systems installed directly linked to the Spartan Neural Interface. They amplify the wearer's reaction time by connecting directly to the thoughts of the wearer, making it much easier to control and allowing for the soldier to be both more efficient and have a higher survival rate in combat.

• Power supply control unit: Manages the power supply of the armor.

• MJOLNIR Mark VI BIOS: The basic input/output system, standard firmware interface for the Mark VI.

• Lock-down system: The lock-down system protects muscles and joints from traumatic, high-impact injuries by seizing the suit into a rigid posture through modifying the density of the hydrostatic gel layer.

• Quantum mirror: A part of the armor's motion sensor system, located in the shoulder pauldron.

• Fail-safe detonation system - This system functions as a self-destruct mechanism in order to prevent a dead Spartan's armor from being compromised by hostiles. It is activated by a series of digits that only the Spartans know. When engaged, it produces a reactor overload that burns everything within a ten-meter radius, then produces a large blast.

Production notes

Halo 2 and Halo 3

John-117 wears a Mark VI suit throughout the campaigns of Halo 2 and Halo 3. The Mark VI armor experienced minor graphical changes between these two games, most notably in the design of the gauntlets. The colors are more muted, with the armor bearing a gray hue. The general shape of the HUD is the same. However the radar is slightly larger and the ammo and grenade counters are no longer enclosed in templates. The most obvious difference is that the shield meter has been relocated from above the radar to the top-center of the HUD. Additionally the radar has a radius reading, with a default 25 meters. These changes appear to be purely aesthetic in nature and have no canonical explanation, though the discoloration could be due to extended and rigorous use and the HUD changes could simply be updates.

Halo: Reach

The Mark VI helmet appears in Halo: Reach as a prototype, possibly the MJOLNIR: Black variant. Two upgrades are available for the helmet, the first of which adds a Command Network Module on the left side with a Hardened Uplink Module-3rd Generation on the right side (FC-I[2]). The second upgrade adds an up-armor plate with a Command Network Module-Improved on the right side. The top part of the helmet has a single white stripe painted down the middle. Additionally, this version's sun visor is colored black, though the fact that it is a prototype may explain the aesthetic difference.

Halo 4

In Halo 4's campaign, John-117 wears his original Mark VI suit, although it has been heavily redesigned. In an interview with Game Informer, Frank O'Connor offhandedly mentioned that Cortana used nanomachines stored aboard the Template:UNSCship to both repair and upgrade the suit. However, in the game, John's suit still has the gash it has featured since Halo 3, calling into question why it was not repaired; Cortana states simply that she upgraded the suit's firmware, though neither character addresses any differences in the hardware. Nonetheless, Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide explicitly states that the armor itself was redesigned to resemble one of several Mark IV variants, much like the mainline Mark VI. All other interviews with 343 Industries staff indicate that, (from a production standpoint), the design change is merely an aesthetic overhaul. Tellingly, the Prologue cutscene shows all Spartans with John-117's upgraded armor; however, as the Visual Guide retcons these suits as Mark IVs, the point is now moot.

The original Mark VI helmet, chest, shoulder, arm, and leg armor are available in the Infinity mode after completion of Halo 4's campaign on Legendary difficulty. Though the helmet is unchanged from its Halo 3 incarnation, the rest of the suit has received several minor aesthetic updates. Canonically, this version of the Mark VI is available for issue to SPARTAN-IVs, having been updated for use with GEN2.

Trivia

Browse more images in this article's gallery page.

• In Halo: Reach the letters "FH" appear near the chin area of the Mark VI that is also present on the hood of the Warthog.
• The armor worn by Operation Firepower from Marvel Comics' Ultimate universe greatly resembles the MJOLNIR Mark VI, combined with elements of Iron Man's armor. The helmet is nearly identical to that of the Mark VI and likewise has an orange face plate, though it features the distinctive eye slits of Iron Man's armor.
• The GEN2 adaption of the Mark VI armor has an emblem of a a star with two chevrons underneath painted on the back-right side of the armor. A similar symbol, albeit with only one chevron, is found on the hull of the UNSC Forward Unto Dawn and UNSC Aegis Fate in Halo 3.

Gallery

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  Concept art of the upgraded MJOLNIR Mark VI armor in Halo 4.

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  Three-dimensional renders of the Master Chief's upgraded Mark VI armor in Halo 4.

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  Concept art of a Mark VI suit being fitted onto a Spartan.

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  John-117 wearing the Mark VI.

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  Three-dimensional renders of the Mark VI armor in Halo 4.

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  MJOLNIR Mark VI study.

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  The Mark VI HUD in Halo 2.

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  The Mark VI HUD in Halo 3.

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  The magnification screen of the Mark VI system in Halo 3.

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  The Mark VI magnification screen in Halo 4.

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  The upgraded Mark VI HUD in Halo 4.

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  The MJOLNIR Mark VI as it appears in Halo 2.

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  John-117 wearing the Mark VI in an early version of Halo 2.

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  The wax figure of John-117 in MJOLNIR Mark VI armor at Madame Tussauds.

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  John-117 wearing the Mark VI.

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  The Mark VI helmet as seen through a glitch in the Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta.

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  The Mark VI in Halo: Reach.

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  The Mark VI's skinsuit.

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  John-117's heavily upgraded Mark VI armor.

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  A view of the Mark VI helmet in "War Games" in Halo 4.

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  Another view of the helmet in Halo 4.

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  GEN2 armor equipped with Mark VI plating as seen in Halo 4.

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  Back view of the GEN2 Mark VI torso in Halo 4. Note the emblem on the right pack.

List of appearances

• Halo 2 (First appearance)
• Halo Graphic Novel
  • Armor Testing
• Halo: Ghosts of Onyx
• Halo: Uprising
• Halo 3
• Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe
  • Blunt Instruments
  • The Mona Lisa
  • Palace Hotel
  • Human Weakness
• Halo: Blood Line
• Halo Legends
  • Origins
  • Odd One Out (Non-canonical appearance)
• Halo: Reach
• Halo 4
• Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn