AIR ASSAULT-class Mjolnir
From Halopedia, the Halo wiki
| Air Assault | |
|---|---|
GEN2
 Prototype
 GEN1 Mark V
 | |
| Production overview | |
|
Manufacturer(s): |
Ushuaia Armory (GEN1)[1] |
|
Testing site(s): |
Siófok Firing Range (GEN1)[1] |
|
Type: |
MJOLNIR (GEN1) MJOLNIR (GEN2)
|
|
Role(s): |
Airborne infantry maneuvers |
AIR ASSAULT-class Mjolnir, also designated as the MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/AA variant, is a MJOLNIR armor variant originally designed by Ushuaia Armory, with the GEN2 version being manufactured by the Naphtali Contractor Corporation.[3]
GEN1 overview[edit]
| “ | Entered service in 2535; the MJOLNIR/AA variant is exclusive to Army airborne units.[4] | ” |
Design details[edit]
The GEN1 Air Assault helmet offers key advantages during airborne deployment scenarios. It has specialized optics that can provide real-time satellite imagery and enemy signature allocation.[1] The helmet is compatible with the Type C1 UA module, AN/PZY-990T STARLIGHT remote sensor and AN/PZY-6011Y TYPHON Command Network Module.
Development history[edit]
While the Air Assault was developed for use by UNSC Army airborne units,[4] the MJOLNIR variant differed from those used by the UNSC Army airbone units at a fundamental technical level.[5] It was designed as an improvement to the ODST helmet and was heavily influenced by Ushuaia's previous work on the Marine Corps BDU.[1] Air Assault helmets in the FC-I configuration were preferred by UNSC Army Pathfinders.[6]
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 UNSC Army's airborne division. In late 2551, the helmet was upgraded for use with the Mark V MJOLNIR system.[1][4]
After the first wave of GEN2 systems, based on requests of veteran Spartan-II and Spartan-III operatives, the UNSC Ordnance Commission considered reassessing a refined and upgraded version of the Mark V version of this suit. This led to the creation of the INTRUDER-class Mjolnir.[7]
As late as 2560, the GEN1 Air Assault helmet could still be requisitioned by Spartans, upgraded to be roughly equivalent to GEN3.[8]
Usage[edit]
Spartan Catherine-B320 of NOBLE Team wore a Mark V AA helmet during the Battle of Fumirole[9] and the Fall of Reach.[4] 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.[10]
Mark V Air Assault Helmet.
GEN2 overview[edit]
| “ | Primarily used by ONI security personnel on the skyhooks above Earth and Luna.[3] | ” |
Design details[edit]
The Air Assault helmet's superficial design remained largely unchanged during the transition from GEN1 to GEN2. The GEN2 Air Assault helmet is equipped with a long range integrated comm network. The new pauldrons seem to have succeeded the GEN1 FJ/PARA in design and function as they have a low-drag pauldron system. The chest has a locking retrieval brace.[2]
Development history[edit]
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. It was tested in the Buffalo Breaker Yards, and the Cascadian city of Mindoro. Air Assault met all of the UNSC Ordnance Commission strictures for ground combat.[2]
GEN2 Air Assault served as the basis for GEN3 VOLANT-class Mjolnir.[11]
Usage[edit]
GEN2 Air Assault provides functional support across a number of colonies as well as remotely deployed combat units. This set is also primarily used by ONI security personnel on the skyhooks above Earth and Luna.[2] A slightly altered version of the Air Assault GEN2 is a favorite of Spartans tasked with assisting ANVIL Station security personnel.[12]
The helmet is popular among Spartan fireteam leaders due to its communications system, though Napthali continues to market the helmet to the UNSC Army.[13] 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.[14]
In-game information[edit]
Halo 3 MCC - GEN2[edit]
In the Halo: The Master Chief Collection version of Halo 3, the Air Assault variant was added as part of Series 5: Anvil content. With the updated Halo 3 armor customization options, the players can now fit their Spartan with Air Assault helmet, chest, shoulders, forearms and legs. The description of the armor pieces are the same for every set. The set is one of twelve armor sets originating from the cancelled Halo Online brought into The Master Chief Collection, originally known as Lander in the cancelled game.
| Piece | Description | Unlock requirements (Halo 3) | Unlock requirements (Halo: MCC) |
|---|---|---|---|
 Helmet |
A favorite of Spartans tasked with assisting ANVIL Station security personnel. | N/A (MCC-exclusive) | Series 5 Tier 3,  1
|
 Chest |
Series 5 Tier 15, 1
| ||
  Shoulders |
Series 5 Tier 7, 1
| ||
 Forearms |
Series 5 Tier 12, 1
| ||
 Legs |
Series 5 Tier 27, 1
|
Halo: Reach - GEN1[edit]
- "The MJOLNIR/AA variant was developed as an improvement of the venerable ODST helmet."
The Air Assault helmet was introduced in Halo: Reach, notably the signature helmet worn by Catherine-B320. It can be unlocked for use in multiplayer.
| Armor | Description | Unlock requirements (Halo: Reach) | Unlock requirements (Halo: MCC) |
|---|---|---|---|
Air Assault helmet |
Entered service in 2535; the MJOLNIR/AA variant is exclusive to Army airborne units. |  Warrant Officer, 15,000 cR
|
Series 1, Tier 37 ( 1)
|
 Air Assault UA/CNM |
Up-armored variant with command network module | Warrant Officer, 7,500 cR
|
Series 1, Tier 37 ( 1)
|
 Air Assault FCI-I |
Command network module-Improved; external hardened uplink. A favorite of Pathfinder units | Warrant Officer, 5,000 cR
|
Series 1, Tier 38 ( 1)
|
Halo 4 - GEN2[edit]
Air Assault returned as an armor set in Halo 4.
| Armor | Description | Unlock requirements (Halo 4) | Unlock requirements (Halo: MCC) |
|---|---|---|---|
 Air Assault |
Description (H4): Primarily used by ONI security personnel on the skyhooks above Earth and Luna. | Reach   
|
Unlocked by default. |
| Helmet description (MCC): Primarily used by ONI security personnel. | |||
| Shoulders description (MCC): Modular left/right spaulder from Air Assault-class armor. | |||
| Chest description (MCC): Well-suited for missions in microgravity. | |||
.png) Air Assault Verge (VERG) skin |
Description (H4): Customized with VERGE armor skin. | Complete the Vehicle Mastery commendation. | Unlocked by default. |
| Helmet description (MCC) Air Assault helmet customized with VERGE coating. | |||
| Shoulder description (MCC) Air Assault left/ right spaulder customized with VERGE coating. | |||
| Chest description (MCC) Air Assault chassis customized with VERGE coating. | |||
.png) Air Assault Vision (VISN) skin |
Description (H4): Customized with VISION armor skin. | Purchase the Champions Bundle. This is not usable in Spartan Ops. | Unlocked by default. |
| Helmet description (MCC) Air Assault helmet customized with VISION coating. | |||
| Shoulder description (MCC) Air Assault left/ right spaulder customized with VISION coating. | |||
| Chest description (MCC) Air Assault chassis customized with VISION coating. |
Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta[edit]
In the Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta there was a "DPT" skin which became the "Disrupt" skin in the final game. This skin had descriptions for it as follows:
- 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.
Halo 5: Guardians - GEN2[edit]
The Halo 4 design of Air Assault returned in Halo 5: Guardians as an armor permutation unlockable via the Requisition system. The Air Assault body component consists of the Air Assault chest and legs, with the Ricochet forearms and RG-63 Counter legs. The GEN1-styled Air Assault armor - modelled after the armor design employed by Catherine-B320 in Halo: Reach - returned to Halo 5 with the release of Memories of Reach, rebranded as the Intruder armor.
| Helmet | Description | Unlock requirements (Halo 5: Guardians) |
|---|---|---|
 Air Assault (helmet) |
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. | Common REQ card |
 Air Assault (body) |
AIR ASSAULT spin-offs were considered for adoption by unaugmented Delta-Six operators, but each suit costs as much as a dropship. | Common REQ card |
 Air Assault Disrupt (helmet skin) |
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. | Uncommon REQ card |
 Air Assault Disrupt (body skin) |
AIR ASSAULT spin-offs were considered for adoption by unaugmented Delta-Six operators, but each suit costs as much as a dropship. | Uncommon REQ card |
 Air Assault Impact (helmet skin) |
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. | Rare REQ card |
 Air Assault Impact (body skin) |
AIR ASSAULT spin-offs were considered for adoption by unaugmented Delta-Six operators, but each suit costs as much as a dropship. | Rare REQ card |
 Air Assault Specialist (helmet skin) |
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. | Ultra Rare REQ card |
 Air Assault Specialist (body skin) |
AIR ASSAULT spin-offs were considered for adoption by unaugmented Delta-Six operators, but each suit costs as much as a dropship. | Ultra Rare REQ card |
Halo Infinite - Upgraded GEN1[edit]
The Mark V Air Assault helmet and its attachments are available for multiplayer Spartan armor customization in Halo Infinite.
| Helmet | Manufacturer | Lore | Rarity | Unlock Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Air Assault |
Ushuaia Armory | Spartan AIR ASSAULT-class helmets differ at a fundamental technical level from those issued to Army airborne units. | Epic | Season 01: Heroes of Reach Battle Pass level 55 (Premium) |
Attachments[edit]
- CNM/BNR/FARNDALE
- CNM/BNR/TYPHON
- HUL(3)/BNR/COURIER PEARL
- MK55 CBRN
- TAC/RS/STARLIGHT
- TAC/RS/WILLOW
- UA/Type B1
Trivia[edit]
- 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 similar Mark IV variant worn by Gray Team.
Gallery[edit]
|
Browse more images in this article's gallery page. |
Halo 3 and Halo Online[edit]
Air Assault (then known as Lander) in Halo Online (center).
The Air Assault armor on a promotional image for Halo Online.
A render of the Air Assault set in Halo Online menu.
The Air Assault armor in the Halo 3 component of Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
A closeup of the Air Assault upper body armor in Halo 3.
Back view of the Air Assault.
Halo: Reach[edit]
Concept art of Kat-B320 wearing her Mark V AA helmet.
Kat-B320 wearing her AA helmet in Deliver Hope.
Kat-B320 wearing her AA helmet.
The Mark V Air Assault helmet as seen in the Armory.
Kat wearing the AA helmet in combat.
Mark V Air Assault helmet in Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
An up-armored variant of the Mark V Air Assault helmet with CNM attachment.
A Mark V Air Assault helmet with HUL and improved CNM attachment.
Halo 4[edit]
Concept art of the GEN2 Air Assault for Halo 4 (top row, third-left).
High poly render of the GEN2 Air Assault armor.
Near completed render of Air Assault armor.
A SPARTAN-IV wearing the GEN2 Air Assault armor.
The Halo 4 Interactive Guide description.
Halo 5: Guardians[edit]
A Spartan-IV wearing GEN2 Air Assault armor in the Halo 5: Guardians Multiplayer Beta.
A Spartan-IV wearing Air Assault armor in a pre-release build of Halo 5: Guardians.
A trio of Spartan-IVs, with two wearing Air Assault armor in Halo 5: Guardians.
A Spartan-IV holding the Kelos'vaarda-pattern storm rifle in AIR ASSAULT.
Air Assault in comparison to Intruder.
Halo 5: Guardians skins[edit]
Default skin
Disrupt skin
Impact skin
Specialist skin
Halo Infinite[edit]
Upgraded GEN1 Air Assault in Halo Infinite.
A Spartan-IV, utilizing the helmet during a fight for a vault on Fragmentation.
List of appearances[edit]
- Halo 3 (Halo: The Master Chief Collection-only)
- Remember Reach
- Deliver Hope (First appearance)
- Halo: Reach
- Halo 4
- Halo: Initiation
- Halo: Hunters in the Dark
- Halo 5: Guardians
- Halo Mythos
- Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual
- Halo Infinite
- Halo: Winter Contention
Sources[edit]
- ^ a b c d e Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 4
- ^ a b c d e f Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 146
- ^ a b Halo 4, Spartan Armor Customization: Air Assault Description "Primarily used by ONI security personnel on the skyhooks above Earth and Luna."
- ^ a b c d Halo: Reach, Spartan Armor Customization: Air Assault - Helmet Description "Entered service in 2535; the MJOLNIR/AA variant is exclusive to Army airborne units."
- ^ Halo Infinite, Armor Hall: Air Assault - Helmet Description "Spartan AIR ASSAULT-class helmets differ at a fundamental technical level from those issued to Army airborne units."
- ^ Halo: Reach, Armory: Air Assault - FC-I Helmet Description "Command network module-Improved; external hardened uplink. A favorite of Pathfinder units."
- ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Noble Intentions (Retrieved on Jul 9, 2019) [archive]
- ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Parallel Threads (Retrieved on Jun 25, 2021) [archive]
- ^ Remember Reach: Deliver Hope
- ^ Halo Waypoint, Halo 4 Interactive Guide - Armor Types: Air Assault (Retrieved on May 1, 2013) [local archive] [external archive]
- ^ Halo Infinite, Spartan Armor Customization: Volant - Description "VOLANT is based on the MJOLNIR/AA series of GEN2 helmets, but incorporates design tweaks requested by Spartans working with Army airborne units."
- ^ Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Halo 3 customisation menu
- ^ Halo 5: Guardians, Spartan Appearance Customization: Air Assault - 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."
- ^ Halo 5: Guardians, Spartan Appearance Customization: Air Assault - Body Description "AIR ASSAULT spin-offs were considered for adoption by unaugmented Delta-Six operators, but each suit costs as much as a dropship."
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
