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AIR ASSAULT-class Mjolnir

Template:Armor Infobox The MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Air Assault variant is a MJOLNIR armor variant originally designed by Ushuaia Armory, with the GEN2 version being manufactured by the Naphtali Contractor Corporation.[1] In addition to featuring specialized optics, it can provide real-time satellite imagery and enemy signature allocation. The helmet offers key advantages during airborne deployment scenarios.[2]

Development history

GEN1

Template:Article Quote The MJOLNIR/AA variant was developed for use by UNSC Army airborne units. It was designed as an improvement to the ODST helmet[3] and was heavily influenced by Ushuaia's previous work on the Marine Corps BDU.[2] In 2535, after being tested at Ushuaia's Siófok Firing Range, the Air Assault helmet was introduced as a variant of the Mark IV MJOLNIR armor and was also adopted as the standard helmet of the Airborne.[2] In 2551, the helmet was upgraded for use with the Mark V MJOLNIR system.[4][2]

Spartan Kat-B320 of NOBLE Team wore a Mark V AA helmet during the Battle of Fumirole[5] and the Fall of Reach.[6] During the Battle of Earth, ONI deployed security personnel with the Air Assault armor to prevent Covenant forces from gaining control of the skyhook defense complexes above Earth and Luna.[7]

GEN2

Template:Article Quote After the Human-Covenant War, the Naphtali Contractor Corporation began manufacturing the GEN2 version of the Air Assault helmet, as well as the matching torso armor and shoulder pieces. The Air Assault helmet's superficial design remained largely unchanged during the transition from GEN1 to GEN2 and the new shoulders seem to have succeeded the GEN1 FJ/PARA in design and function.[1][7] The helmet features a long-range communications system which makes it popular among Spartan fireteam leaders, though Napthali continues to market the helmet to the UNSC Army. Offshoots of the Air Assault armor have also been considered for adoption by unaugmented Delta-Six Division operators, but larger-scale adoption of the system has been hindered by its high cost, with each suit costing as much as a dropship. The coating incorporates impregnated metamaterials that mask the Air Assault armor's signature in both the near-infrared and near-ultraviolet spectrum.[8] It was tested in the Buffalo Breaker Yards.[9]

In early 2553, Air Assault was considered a front runner for the standard armor set issued to newly recruited Spartan-IVs.[10] However, the contract ultimately went to Hannibal Weapon Systems' RECRUIT-class suite.

In-game information

Halo: Reach

The MJOLNIR/AA variant was developed as an improvement of the venerable ODST helmet.
Base Price: 15,000 cR, Warrant Officer

  • Description: Entered service in 2535; the MJOLNIR/AA varient is exclusive to Army airborne units.

UA/CNM Price: 7,500 cR, Warrant Officer

  • Description: Up-armored varient with command network module

FC-I Price: 5,000 cR, Warrant Officer

  • Description: Command network module-Improved; external hardened uplink. A favorite of Pathfinder units

Two upgrades are available for the helmet. The first upgrade, UA/CNM, adds an up-armor plate with a Command Network Module on the right side. The second upgrade, FC-I, adds an up-armor plate with a Command Network Module-Improved on the right side.

Halo 4

Unlock: Achieve Spartan Rank 11

  • Description: Primarily used by ONI security personnel on the skyhooks above Earth and Luna.

Available skins: VERG (Verge) and VISN (Vision)

Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta

Unlock: Achieve SR-2 (Helmet), SR-3 (Body armor)

  • Helmet Description: The AIR ASSAULT helmet's long-range comm system makes it popular with Spartan fireteam leaders, but Naphtali also markets this helmet to Army special forces.
  • Body Description: AIR ASSAULT spin-offs were considered for adoption by augmented Delta-Six operators, but each suit costs as much as a dropship.

Available skins: DPT

  • The DPT skin is obtainable at SR-29 (Helmet), SR-30 (Body armor)
  • Helmet Description: This coating incorporates impregnated metamaterials that mask the AIR ASSAULT armor's signature in both the near-infrared and near-ultraviolet spectrum.
  • Body Description: AIR ASSAULT users take advantage of even the smallest tactical advantage to avoid being spotted in transit to the combat zone.

Trivia

  • The Air Assault helmet, (especially the GEN2 version), closely resembles the helmets worn by Orbital Drop Shock Troopers in Halo 2. The most prominent similarity is the faceplate, which is much less rounded than the version of the ODST helmet seen in post-Halo 2 media.
  • The GEN2 Air Assault chestplate closely resembles that of the MJOLNIR Mark V, the [B] Variant specifically, and the identical Mark IV variant worn by Gray Team.

Gallery

List of appearances

Sources

  1. ^ a b Halo 4
  2. ^ a b c d Halo: The Essential Visual Guide
  3. ^ Halo: Reach, Armory, MJOLNIR AA variant description: "The MJOLNIR/AA variant was developed as an improvement of the venerable ODST helmet."
  4. ^ Halo: Reach, Armory
  5. ^ Remember Reach, Deliver Hope
  6. ^ Halo: Reach
  7. ^ a b Halo 4 Interactive Guide
  8. ^ Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta
  9. ^ Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 146
  10. ^ Halo Archive Forums - Halo: Online (Closed Beta launching in Russia) - Page 3