MJOLNIR battle armor
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MJOLNIR battle armor (or assault armor) is a fictional suit of battle armor in the Marathon Trilogy, Halo series of video games, and Halo novels used by the SPARTAN-II super soldiers, most notably by the series's protagonist Master Chief.
The MJOLNIR Assault Armor is currently the pinnacle of tactical military hardware developed by the UNSC. Each suit represents a resource commitment equal to that used to construct a small starship. The armor was envisioned by Dr. Catherine Halsey, and the SPARTAN-II program was, in large part, Halsey’s attempt to create a soldier whose physical capabilities would be sufficient to interface with her vision of the final phase of project MJOLNIR—a fully neural-linked system with an integral on-board AI using the human mind for parallel processing. Such technology did not exist when work began on the Mark I prototype.
The suit is named for Mjolnir (myohl-nir, IPA:[Mjolnər]), the hammer of Thor, the god of thunder from Norse Mythology.
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[edit] Armor versions
At least six different versions of MJOLNIR armor exist, and each generation of armor offers improvements over earlier models. Models are designated by the notation "Mark n". For example, a Mark V (Halo) model is less powerful than a Mark VI (Halo 2).
[edit] MJOLNIR Mark I
The Mark I battle armors were bulky exoskeletons that improved strength and stamina of the user's muscles. Combat models were fitted with a light chaingun. The Navy's first exoskeleton project, the armor was impractical for combat, as it needed a power source too large to contain autonomously. The suit required a large cable to run between it and a generator, which hindered movement, thus was never seen in battle making it a purely experimental armor suit. Future MJOLNIR battle armors were only loosely based on this armor's design because its bulky exoskeleton was inferior to newer designs. The unarmoured Spartan IIs John-117, Samuel-034, and Kelly-087, proved themselves superior to the human handlers of the Mark I in every respect.
[edit] MJOLNIR Mark II
The Mark II battle armor incorporated a much more slimmed-down profile of the Mark I, but still required a direct link to a fusion reactor for power.
[edit] MJOLNIR Mark III
The upgraded Mark II, the Mark III, incorporated a power transmission-receiver so that power could be transmitted to it much like the Orbital Defense Platforms in orbit around major UNSC colonies. This design was quickly rejected for two reasons. The main reason being that the armor still had a limited operational range, as the power generator could not be moved easily again, preventing mobility and movement. The second reason was that if the generator was destroyed somehow, the users would become trapped in worthless metal shells.
[edit] MJOLNIR Mark IV
The MJOLNIR Mark IV was a radical redesign of the suit taking advantage of many technological leaps. This advanced battle suit was the first to fully integrate with the soldier's body. The suit plugs directly into the soldier's nervous system through a standard issue neural implant. The suit's many functions (commmunications, hydro-static gel levels, environmental systems, etc.) respond to commands issued by the soldier's thoughts.
This was also the first design to successfully utilize the reactive metal liquid crystal as a means of enhancing locomotion. It flawlessly enhances the speed and power of the wearer, a sharp contrast to previous versions which required powered motors to allow the soldiers mobility. Because of this advancement, the design more closely resembles an actual suit of armor, as opposed to a powered exoskeleton. This allowed for an incredibly compact design when compared to the previous incarnations.
The success of this version was also dependent upon the parallel development of the SPARTAN-II program, which produced soldiers with the physical prowess required to drive the system. Previous attempts to wear the prototype suit by unaugmented soldiers resulted in their deaths and injury, due to the extreme reactiveness of the system. When combined with the immense strength of the armour, the tiniest action would be amplified into motions that inflicted bone-crushing forces on the wearer. Since the soldier's reflex action would then force their limbs away from the source of pain, a soldier wearing the armour would be swiftly reduced to quivering wrecks as their bodies fought against the suit. The superior reflexes, musculature, and bone strength of the Spartan-IIs allowed them to use the armor without injuring themselves.
The MJOLNIR Mark IV armor's HUD contains an integrated computer system which continuously monitors weapons, ammunition, biological function, and motion (through an intelligent motion-sensing radar), and is capable of linking with weapons to generate an accurate targeting reticule.
The suit is air-tight, hardened against vacuum, and features air-filtration systems as well as a built-in oxygen supply that can last for up to 90 minutes. The suit's helmet also features a standard UNSC mounted flashlight with its own separate power supply. A concealed side compartment in the upper thigh plate on the right allows the Spartan wearer to holster a sidearm. The back of the suit contains a holster which utilized powerful clamps to help carry weapons with size such as a(n) assault, battle, or sniper rifle, a missile launcher or other weapons.
The armor plates are specifically designed for combat with the Covenant. It resisted the Covenant's plasma-based weaponry extremely well; a SPARTAN soldier wearing the armor could survive approximately three times as much damage from plasma weapons than an ordinary human marine could. The armor also provides basic protection from human ballistic projectiles, although only to a slightly higher degree as regular marine combat armor. The suit itself is practically indestructible and is capable of sustaining tremendous damage and still be able to function, but even though the suit will continue to operate, the human inside can still be injured or killed by a penetrating round or by sufficient plasma impacts to the suit's outer shell. The MJOLNIR series would still fail to benefit from personal shielding until the introduction of the Mk. V.
The suit also has a number of other features, including recoil-compensating actuators, hydrostatic gel (to regulate temperature and dampen impact force), and biofoam injectors. However, the biofoam injectors and medical care systems of the Mark IV must be provided with a direct supply of biofoam, medicines and stimulants from a standard marine first aid kit when the user is injured, as the suit will not hold or generate a supply of medicines and Biofoam, unlike the Mark VI.
The Mark IV Assault armor was fielded from November 27th, 2525 to August 29th, 2552.
[edit] MJOLNIR Mark V
The Mark IV Assault Armor was replaced by the newer Mark V just one day prior to the Covenant assault on Reach in 2552. The Mark V was the realization of Dr. Halsey's vision. It has hundreds of minor technical improvements over the Mark IV as well as two major modifications.
The first is that it is powered by a slightly larger fusion pack than the Mark IV. This is due to the fact that the Mark V has an integrated dynamic, self-recharging, sophisticated energy shielding system, built upon captured Covenant technology (similar to those used by Elites, but designed from captured Jackal energy shields) that repels mass objects and energy bursts. While impacts on the shield place a substantial drain on the system's power supply, system energy regenerates quickly once the SPARTAN-II moves away from the barrage. The shield strength, though strong enough to block plasma fire and ballistic rounds, is not strong enough to prevent injury from falls from cliffs or high areas. However, in conjunction with the armor's Hydrostatic Gel layer, it is possible to cushion a certain percentage of damage. During the invasion of Reach, several of the SPARTAN-IIs were forced to make a hard landing from high altitude, after their Pelican Dropship was attacked. Four were killed and several were significantly injured, but the rest received minor internal bleeding and broken bones; a testament to the Mk. V's durability.
The difference in the Elite's shields and the Human Mark V and Mark VI's is that the Elite's has a blue tint to it whereas the Mark V version has a yellowish cast. Also, Human engineers were able to improve on the original Covenant design, thus giving it more ability to absorb damage.
The second advancement is the addition of a weave of memory-processor super-conducting material, the same material as an AI's core. This gives the suit nearly the same capacity as a ship-borne AI system. This, along with an upgrade to the standard issue neural implant, allows an AI to inhabit the suit of armor and the mind of the Spartan wearing it, greatly enhancing the interface between the suit and the wearer as well as the obvious benefits of having the incredible information processing power of an AI, which is intended to assist the Spartan in real-time by monitoring communication channels, computer relays, and friendly combat updates.
The ultimate lethality of this system was demonstrated by SPARTAN-117, John, or by his military designation "Spartan-117". The famed Master Chief in Halo: Combat Evolved, when he and his AI construct Cortana fought their way across a planet-like, artificial ring world, called Halo by The Covenant.
[edit] MJOLNIR Mark V.5
This is not an official name, but has been used by some fans to describe modified MJOLNIR Mark V armor. Several Spartans upgrade their Mark V suits with Mark VI components over the course of the novel Halo: First Strike. Preferred upgrades were to the helmet design, shield system, leg armors, utility belt and rubber undersuit (Hydrostatic Gel Layer) as well as fusion pack. Most armors, when upgraded, retain a resemblance to a Mark VI armor though not completely. Seeing that time is running short, Mark VI suits were not able to be mass produced resulting in several Spartan's having to upgrade their armor instead of receiving a new Mark VI suit.
However, in Halo: The Graphic Novel a full suit of MJOLNIR Mk. VI was field tested by Spartan 062-Maria (who retired from active duty to "Start a Family" before the events at Reach). This suit was later sent from its Proving Ground on Earth up to the Orbital MAC (Magnetic Accelerator Cannon) Station, Cairo, for use by Master Chief SPARTAN 117-John.
[edit] MJOLNIR Mark VI
The Mark VI of the MJOLNIR battle armor addresses some of the weaknesses of the earlier models. The energy shielding system recharges significantly faster and is stronger allowing the user to have more time to retreat before sustaining injury. The armor plating, while less bulky, is denser, therefore offering as much, if not more, protection than previous models.
Also, the armor can now heal minor to moderate injuries over a course of time, due to an improved onboard medical system. (The Hazardous Environment suit of another video game, Half-Life 2, is similar to this). Due to increased shield strength of the Mark VI, fire injury has been eliminated almost entirely and the wearer must fall at a much greater height to risk death or injury.
[edit] Semi-Powered Infiltration (SPI) Armor
While not of the MJOLNIR series, SPI armor was designed and constructed using MJOLNIR as a basis; though designed to be a much cheaper alternative.
The primary feature of SPI-Armor is that instead of protective shielding, the suit and its improved versions (See Halo: Ghosts of Onyx) use Active Camouflage technology to conceal the wearer. This was to save costs for the ambitious SPARTAN-III program, headed by Colonel James Ackerson of ONI (the Office of Naval Intelligence), behind closed doors. The suit also incorporates lighter armor and a smaller, non-reactive power pack. Aesthetically, the armor looks similar to MJOLNIR, on the exception of the Helmet design, which uses a large 'bubble' visor, to minimize on geometry, which otherwise interferes with the Active Camouflage.
Unfortunately, while the suit looks quite similar, it has only a fraction of the protection, durability and capability of the more advanced (and grossly more expensive) Mark IV, V and Mark VI suits used by the Spartan II's (the SPI armor was designed for use by the Spartan III's) and is much better suited to infiltration missions, as opposed to the all-out tactical combat the MJOLNIR series is designed for.
[edit] Replica MJOLNIR
Real-life replicas of the MJOLNIR armor were originally created by artist Sid Garrand of Nightmare Armor Studios. While NAS' work is the most widely recognized, others have created their own versions of the armor, such as Chris Bryan and Briar's Armor. The "Legendary" Halo 3 bundle will include a replica helmet[1]; it is unknown if it is related to Garrand's work.
[edit] Armor features
[edit] MJOLNIR "Heads Up Display"
The HUD of the MJOLNIR Mark V is critical to the Spartan's survival. It provides health monitors, ammo gauges, and provides critical mission data via NAV points which identify objectives. The HUD is an integral part of the armor: whenever a soldier picks up a different weapon, the firing reticle changes to conform to the weapon he's holding via microscopic sensors in the armor's gloves. The NAV points point to any objectives that need to be completed, and show the distance between the suit's wearer and the target. It keeps track of his health signs by tiny sensors built into the suit that monitor heart beat, breathing, wounds, blood flow, and neural activity. In addition to these features the suit also has a built-in motion tracker which is indispensable for combat situations. The motion tracker tracks movement and "paints" the targets different colors corresponding to transponder signals: yellow for friendly, white for neutral, and red for hostile. An AI linked to the suit can provide tactical data readouts via the HUD and can "see" through the HUD's optical recorders.
[edit] MJOLNIR Rechargeable Energy Shield
The MJOLNIR Mark V battle suit is issued with an energy shield that was derived by technicians who reverse-engineered the Covenant's own Jackal shields. The shield was altered to conform to the body rather than having the Spartan carry it like the Jackals. The shield does have limits though; plasma weapons and explosions can eat through the shield very quickly. The shield can recharge itself after failing, although this process takes some time. The Spartans have a great deal of control over their energy shields, as demonstrated by John-117 when he first donned the Mark V armor. The wearer can control the coverage/strength of his/her energy shield using the neural interface. This allows the Spartan to adjust the shield to be thin around the hands and feet to allow for traction and dexterity, while allowing it to be thicker around other areas for increased protection.
With the Mark VI, a newer shielding technology was used, one which is immensely more efficient than that used for the Mark V. The Mark VI has a greatly improved recharge time and an overall stronger field.
[edit] MJOLNIR Physical Composition
The MJOLNIR armor, starting with the Mark IV version, is composed of an incredibly strong multilayer alloy shell. The plates have an iridescent refractive coating to further disperse energy-weapon attacks. The armor’s inner structure, and arguably most significant feature, is composed of a revolutionary reactive metal liquid crystal. It is amorphous, yet fractally scales and amplifies force. This feature is what amplifies the wearers speed and strength, and is what distinguishes this from other traditional forms of "powered" armor, which utilize servos and other types of motors for locomotion. Unfortunately, the system is so reactive, normal human beings cannot use the suit without injuring themselves, as they do not possess the reaction time or structural strength to drive the suit. Only an augmented human such as a SPARTAN-II can safely wear MJOLNIR.
[edit] Marathon - The MJOLNIR Mark IV Cyborg
The numbering of Halo's MJOLNIR battle armor series is one of many references to Bungie's earlier Marathon series. During the course of the Marathon games, various text terminals mention of ten MJOLNIR Mark IV cyborgs, which represent "all of the destructive knowledge of mankind."
The identity of the player's character is never solidly stated in the games. The manual states that he is a security officer aboard the UESC Marathon. However, in the Marathon 2 preview, the AI Durandal reveals the following:
- "Were you ever curious about the tenth cyborg which was supposed to be on the Marathon? Why could Leela find only nine? Was it ever activated? Was it destroyed during the defense of the colony? You are right to be curious."
This and other clues have led many fans of the series to the conclusion that the player is a reference to the tenth MJOLNIR Mark IV cyborg, though as with all Bungie games, speculation is rampant.
Marathon's Story: Facts and puzzling things about... You Marathon's Story: Facts and puzzling things about... The 10th military Mjolnir Mark IV cyborg
It is noteworthy that Bungie has repeatedly denied any connection or correlation between Halo and Marathon. They have stated that they are "two entirely different, wholly separate stories."[citation needed] Essentially, Bungie has declared that there is no direct association between Halo and Marathon, Halo merely derived many of its ideas and inspirations from Marathon. Nevertheless, fans continually speculate the varying connections between the two.
[edit] Forerunner Classification
In the Halo novel "The Flood", and roughly halfway through the level "The Library" in Halo: Combat Evolved, the chapter where Master Chief is running through the Library, 343 Guilty Spark makes a note indicating that the Mark V was a class 2 "Combat Skin" and he should upgrade to a Class 12. The MJOLNIR Mark V was currently the strongest armor invented in its time. It is an interesting note that the Elite armor is similar in defense as the Mark V and could be considered the same class if taken from Forerunner tech but still be considered Class 2. Also, the classes may be categories instead of ranks, as a Class 12 may be specifically designed to combat Flood, and it's an "upgrade" because of the situation.
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