MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor

The MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor is a technologically advanced combat exoskeleton system designed to vastly improve the strength, speed, agility, reflexes and durability of a Spartan supersoldier.
== Overview ==
Developed parallel to the SPARTAN-II program by the Office of Naval Intelligence's Materials Group, the MJOLNIR powered assault armor was a radical redesign from previous large bulky exoskeletons, streamlining their design into a compact suit of armor practical for use in the field. The brainchild of Lieutenant Catherine Halsey, the MJOLNIR armor represented her vision of a slim powered exoskeleton capable of taking full advantage of the physical capabilities of a Spartan-II. Planning and research for the revised MJOLNIR battlesuit began in 2511 alongside the SPARTAN-II project; over the course of fourteen years its development gave birth to many new technologies that would later see major adoption throughout the UNSC military.
MJOLNIR is a sealed system capable of extra-vehicular activity or operations in toxic atmosphere and vacuum. It is hardened against electromagnetic pulse and radiation, and has filters that are completely effective at removing toxins and bacteria from local atmosphere.
The armor's outer shell is composed of a multilayer alloy of remarkable strength which has been augmented with a refractive coating capable of dispersing a limited amount of energy weapon impacts. Underneath the alloy shell is a thick black titanium nanocomposite bodysuit. Underneath that layer is a gel-filled layer. The gel layer regulates temperature and can reactively change its density in a few seconds. The inner skinsuit is made of a moisture-absorbing synthetic material linked to an environmental control computer and the occupant's special-issue neural interface. This network translates electrochemical signals to digital code and routes them through an interface connection at the rear of the skull. Through this interface the user's thoughts commands the armor's movement and weapons and input from the on-board sensors comes directly to the user's mind. The synthesis of machine and mind is so fast that it is almost impossible to chart the reaction time. Unfortunately, the system is so reactive that normal human beings cannot use the suit without injuring or even killing themselves. Only humans who have undergone the skeletal, neural and muscular augmentation shared by the Spartans are able to safely operate the suit.
Sandwiched between the external armor and the internal padding is the most devastating weapon the suit carries: a layer of polymerized lithium niobocene, a form of reactive metal liquid crystal. Woven by molecular tools into a super-dense layer, this layer is amorphous, yet it amplifies force, doubling lifting capability and increases reaction time by a factor of five. Such technology did not exist when work began on the Mark I prototypes.
Because of these advancements the design is more akin to an actual suit of armor as opposed to a powered exoskeleton; the user moves the suit and in return the suit moves the user. This allows for an highly compact design when compared to other combat systems. The armor contains numerous features including an integrated computer system which continuously monitors weapons, biological functions, and a limited function motion sensor system. The suit also contains a built-in rebreather system that can provide air for up to 90 minutes. The suit's helmet also features imaging and video recording, and thermal sensors among other features.
In its final phase the MJOLNIR armor weighs half a short ton (453.6 kilograms), and was at the time of its creation the most advanced piece of tactical military hardware in human hands.
== Armor components ==
Inner skinsuit:
The inner skinsuit is made of a moisture-absorbing synthetic material linked to an environmental control computer and the occupant's neural interface. It controls the suit's temperature and actively changes how the suit fits the user.
Hydrostatic gel:
On top of the inner skinsuit is a gel-filled layer, which regulates the temperature of the suit and can change its density to conform to the wearer's shape. The temperature inside the suit is controlled by the moisture absorbing cloth suit underneath the hydrostatic layer. The hydrostatic gel layer can also be pressurized to various levels to potentially save the wearers life should the wearer be subjected to high G forces or a high velocity impact; however, over-pressurizing this layer can cause nitrogen embolisms.
Liquid metal crystal piezoelectric layer:
Fitted in between the outer plates and the inner padding, is a layer of liquid crystal within a piezoelectric material that deforms along a preferred axis when exposed to an electric charge; this reactive piezoelectric effect increases the strength, reaction time, mobility, speed, and all around physical performance of the suit's user.
Memory-processor superconductor layer: 
A layer relatively new to the MJOLNIR line, introduced with the Mark V, that is capable of housing an A.I. Comprised of the same material as a starship's A.I. system, this layer allows an A.I. to travel with a soldier into the field. The A.I. can then aid the soldier in software inrtusion, hardware hacking, and espionage by listening to enemy chatter.
Pressure seal:
The pressure seal is a vital component to the MJOLNIR system as it keeps the system airtight whether underwater, in vacuum, or in a hostile atmosphere. The seal is very strong and will only break under extreme pressure, such as in a high velocity impact or when the hydrostatic gel has been over-pressurized.
Titanium nanocomposite bodysuit:
Sandwiched between the external armor and the internal padding is a thick, black armored bodysuit. This suit has numerous functions, small but vital to the safety and survival of the wearer. The bodysuit is made of a titanium-based material, making it very strong and yet very flexible. It also serves as another layer of protection against ballistics attacks and is coated with a heat resistant material to disperse heat from energy weapons.
Lock-down system:
The lock-down system protects muscles and joints from traumatic, high-impact injuries by seizing the suit into a rigid posture through modifying the density of the hydrostatic gel layer.
Integrated Communications Helmet:
The MJOLNIR helmet (properly the Integrated Communications Helmet) is one of the most vital aspects to the MJOLNIR armor system. It is made of titanium and features a heads-up display (HUD) that links to the brain and hands; the HUD can identify equipment and display information about it when it is picked up by the wearer. It also features an environmental control unit that includes filters to remove toxins from the atmosphere, as well as a rebreather to automatically supply oxygen to the wearer during EVA. In addition the helmet contains thermal and motion sensors, communications, solar-powered lighting, and imaging and video recording equipment.
The helmet's most important feature is the direct neural-interface system which connects to a Spartan's neural implants. Two core processor chips are implanted into the subject's skull in the rear of the head. This is essentially comparable to an on-board computer using parts of the human brain for processing - when the connector at the rear of the subject's head and receptors in the brain link to the helmet's on-board sensors it creates the neural link needed to move the MJOLNIR suit.
The first-generation helmet was retained for use with the 2535 model and was later upgraded for use with the Mark V.
Titanium alloy outer shell:
The outer shell of the MJOLNIR armor is comprised of a fairly thick titanium alloy. This plating covers the chest, arms, hip, legs, calves, feet and hands. This alloy is very resilient, can take significant punishment, and is nearly impervious to small arms fire. While enough direct hits from armor piercing rounds will breach the outer shell, the suit can take a few glancing hits without integrity being compromised. The outer shell of all the MJOLNIR suits is covered with a refractive coating to help disperse the heat of energy weapon impacts. However one or two direct hits will compromise the armor plating.
Magnetic weapon holder strips:
Integrated into the outer armor components of the MJOLNIR suit, the magnetic strips are very small yet powerful magnets placed on the legs, waist, and back of the suit and are used to hold any equipment and weapons carried by the user. The suit also contains a magnet system in the soles of the boots, allowing its wearer to stay attached to a metal surface in microgravity environments. In addition to the magnetic holders, the suit is also equipped with utility pouches on the waist and a clip for a holster capable of accommodating most UNSC sidearms.
Biofoam injector port:
The biofoam injector is a port where a direct supply of biofoam or other medicines must be administered from a standard military first aid kit when the wearer is injured, as the suit does not store or generate its own internal supply.
Fission reactor:
Integrated in the limited production model of the MJOLNIR PAA the nuclear fission reactor was built into the suit and allowed for unlimited power. However, because of the delicacy and radioactive nature of the fission reactor its use was limited until it was replaced with a micro-fusion plant in the final production model in 2535.
Microfusion reactor:
Integrated in the final production model in 2535, the microfusion cell is the most vital component to the MJOLNIR system as it provides power to all components of the armor. The reactor is built into the suit and allows for nearly unlimited power.
Power supply control unit:
The power supply control unit is integrated into the miniature fusion reactor located on the back of the MJOLNIR suit. It provides power distribution to the suit's functions and can be overloaded when too much power is allocated to one function or all functions for long periods of time.
Fail-safe detonation system:
This system functions as a self-destruct mechanism in order to prevent a dead Spartan's armor from being compromised by hostiles. It is activated by a seven-digit code that only the Spartans know. When engaged, it triggers a reactor overload with a detonation radius of approximately 10 meters.
Energy shield system:
Unsuccessfully tested with the Mark IV, properly introduced with the Mark V, and later refined with the Mark VI and Mark VII, the energy shield system provides additional protection against weapons fire and environmental hazards.Category:Daisy-023
Category:Body Armor