Mark III exoskeleton
From Halopedia, the Halo wiki
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The Mark III exoskeleton, or Mark III [A] exoskeleton,[2][Note 1] was a line of prototype armoured exoskeletons originally in service with the United Nations Space Command.[1]
Overview
The Mark III exoskeleton is essential a strength-enhancing suit for a human operator, with applications in many fields due to their ease-of-use and load-bearing capacity. The initial Mark III exoskeleton prototypes featured neural interface controls, in addition to a sealed armoured canopy for the operator, noted as visually reminiscent of later EVA-class Mjolnir helmets.[2]
Development history
The Mark III line of prototype armoured exoskeletons was initially launched in 2510. However, the line became defunct quickly after its launch, with the Office of Naval Intelligence scrapping their plans for the exoskeleton and pursuing the fledgling Project: MJOLNIR instead.[1]
In 2513, a Project: HRUNTING research team at Weapons Research Facility T12A on Algolis evaluated the abandoned Mark III line and made many of their own breakthroughs. These culminated in the production of a new variant, now called HRUNTING Mark III [B] or, more informally, the "Cyclops".[1] After this variant was created, the original exoskeleton was retroactively given the name Mark III [A].[2][Note 1]
Models
Mark III [A1] Peacekeeper
- Main article: Mark III (A1) Peacekeeper
A specialised variant of the Mark III [A] exoskeleton, designed for law enforcement SWAT teams. They were often equipped with a large riot shield and a low-pressure autocannon that fired riot-control munitions. However, most were destroyed after being pressed into active combat duty.[2]
HRUNTING Mark III [B] Cyclops
- Main article: HRUNTING Mark III (B) Cyclops
A significantly improved variant of the Mark III exoskeleton, nicknamed the Cyclops, produced by Project: HRUNTING after evaluating the then-defunct original Mark III line. This variant was originally designed for non-combat roles within the military, such as dock work, but has also been fielded in combat situations, for repair work and in even rarer cases, in anti-fortification roles.[1]
Various further Cyclops iterations were produced based upon the breakthroughs made by Project: HRUNTING with their Mark III [B].[1][2]
Production notes
Though it has never been seen in any visual media, the description of the original Mark III [A] exoskeleton given by Halo Waypoint bears a striking resemblence to early Halo Wars concept art of the HRUNTING Mark III [B] Cyclops, suggesting that the concept art represents the canonical visual appearance of the Mark III [A].[2]
Notes
- ^ a b Halo Waypoint makes reference to a Mark III [A] variant of the exoskeleton, but Halo: The Essential Visual Guide established that the original exoskeleton was simply named Mark III, and that the next iteration was the HRUNTING Mark III [B], produced by Project: HRUNTING. Thus, it is assumed Mark III [A] is a retroactive designation of the original exoskeleton.
