The MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VII was the fourth major iteration of the MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor. It was ultimately supplanted by the MJOLNIR [GEN2] line.[1] The Mark VII was issued to at least one of the surviving Spartan-II supersoldiers, Naomi-010, on January 27, 2553.[2]
Introduction
The Mark VII was produced by a supplier other than ONI's Materials Group, which produced the previous models. It is more lightweight than prior versions.[2] The Mark VII implements several features not exhibited by earlier MJOLNIR incarnations. Most notably, the armor contains nano-technological components which enable the armor to repair and upgrade itself autonomously without outside influences, such as while the user is in cryosleep.[3] The Mark VII also features limited energy shield shaping.[4] Naomi-010's Mark VII suit resembles the Mark V [B],[5] which may be due to the Spartan's choice in her armor's appearance.[6]
The Mark VII proved to be cost-ineffective to mass-produce and was never manufactured in large numbers, particularly in light of the development of the more versatile GEN2 platform which enabled more economical optimization for the different Spartan generations in service, while the first generation was mainly optimized for the Spartan-IIs.[4] However, a number of technologies developed for the Mark VII program were incorporated to the MJOLNIR [GEN2] system. The closest GEN2 armor model to the Mark VII is the DECIMATOR variant, though it is mostly unknown outside of the Spartan special forces community.[1]
Hypothetical model (2535)
Theoretical design elements for a seventh iteration of MJOLNIR were proposed by Dr. Catherine Halsey in her personal journal in 2535;[7] how many of these features were implemented in the final product is unknown. The Mark VII appeared to have been the last planned phase of the MJOLNIR project at the time. It would have utilized a power system that made use of a combination of plasma and fusion technology, slipspace de-insertion capability, active AI transfer protocols, and limited shaping of the suit's energy shield.
"Slipspace de-insertion capability" means that a Spartan would be able to exit a vessel traveling in slipspace and re-enter normal space, similar to the Long Range Stealth Orbital Insertion Pod. Halsey described "limited shaping of the energy shield" as the ability to form "partial overlaps, airfoils, etc."[7] This incidentally would have been quite similar to the Forerunners' practice of shaping hard light.
Due to unexpected technological breakthroughs, some of these upgrades were implemented earlier than planned and are presumably featured in the production version of the Mark VII. For example, the Mark VI has integrated atmospheric insertion capabilities, which allow a Spartan to free-fall from space without a re-entry vehicle such as an SOEIV. However, this requires a drag chute or parachute,[8] whereas the theoretical Mark VII would have all necessary technology integrated into the suit.[7]
List of appearances
- Halo: Reach
- Dr. Halsey's personal journal (First mentioned)
- Halo: Glasslands (First appearance)
- Halo: The Thursday War
- Halo: Mortal Dictata
- Halo 5: Guardians (Mentioned only)
Sources
- ^ a b Halo Waypoint - Cannon Fodder: Reqlamation Begins
- ^ a b Halo: Glasslands, page 291
- ^ Halo: Glasslands, page 213
- ^ a b Halo Waypoint: MJOLNIR
- ^ Halo: The Thursday War cover art
- ^ Halo: The Thursday War, page 174
- ^ a b c Dr. Halsey's personal journal January 7, 2535
- ^ Halo Graphic Novel, Armor Testing
