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MIRAGE Powered Infiltration Armor

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UNSC Transmission XX44-607V-0X - MRG_REP_09 (Attached Files: 7)
Sent: 23 / 01 / 2555 (UPDATED W/ACTIVE-STATE VISUALIZATION 02 / 03 / 2555)
Encryption Code: RED
Public Key: N/A
From: PROJECT MIRAGE DEVELOPMENT TEAM
To: UNSC ORDNANCE COMMITTEE
Subject: PROJECT MIRAGE OVERVIEW
Classification: CLASSIFIED (BGE Directive)


INTRODUCTION

Project MIRAGE is an ongoing cross-platform research and development program overseen by the UNSC Materials Group in conjunction with the Watershed Division as well as UNSC Special Operations forces to integrate the photoreactive (PR) adaptive texture camouflaging technology used in the Semi-Powered Infiltration (SPI) armor to the second-generation (GEN-2) MJOLNIR suits. The most tangible result of the project so far is the MIRAGE Powered Infiltration Armor, which combines the stealth advantages of the SPI armor with the superior performance enhancement and protection of the GEN-2 MJOLNIR. The project has also spawned a variety of offshoots and supplemental PR components for armor systems not limited to Spartans as well as PR-fitted versions of existing armor variations; for details see attached file MRG_REP_09/OTHER. In time, MIRAGE is expected to grow into a fully supported sub-ecosystem of PR-enabled armor components for the GEN-2 MJOLNIR as well as other UNSC armor platforms.


BACKGROUND

Photoreactive "chameleon" camouflage (sometimes termed as "chameleoflage") comprises a series of surfaces coated with a layer of photo-receptive organic light-emitting diode (PROLED) polymer that mimics its surroundings. An object camouflaged in such a way is able to effectively "blend in" with a given environment. While it is a form of active camouflage (or adaptive camouflage), PR camouflage is wholly distinct from Covenant active camouflage technology, which uses sophisticated light-bending lensing fields to render an object almost completely invisible to the naked eye from any direction (for a further technical breakdown see attached file MRG_REP_09/TECHNOLOGY).

PR camouflaging technology has been in use with human militaries for several centuries, although the SPI armor has so far represented the cutting edge in that area, melding state-of-the-art stealth properties with minimal power drain. While this form of active camouflage is not as effective as its Covenant-developed counterpart, the UNSC's PR technology is also far more energy-efficient. The SPI armor, in its latest forms, is able to maintain its stealth mode for several hours, compared to the duration of standard Covenant active camouflage which ranges from only under a minute to several minutes at most due to the vast amounts of energy required to generate the shaped lensing field. It is the opinion of the MIRAGE team that this advantage makes PR adaptive camouflaging technology a worthwhile pursuit even as progress is made into developing and implementing Covenant-based cloaking systems.

There were several main goals to Project MIRAGE:
  • Improve upon extant adaptive camouflage technology without substantially increasing power drain
  • Maintain IR and passive sensor camouflage properties of the SPI system
  • Improve upon suit's external architecture to maximize coverage of PR surfaces over GEN-2 non-PR techsuit without sacrificing wearer mobility
  • Replicate the SPI system's user interface and VISR systems as closely as is feasible on the GEN-2 system to maximize familiarity with the projected primary user group (S-III operators)

The MIRAGE armor system has a number of potential uses. Most notably, SPARTAN-III personnel are trained to use the SPI system's stealth properties to their fullest. By porting the SPI to the MJOLNIR architecture that aspect of their training can be leveraged while simultaneously reaping the benefits of the MJOLNIR suit. Additionally, the training of most non-Spartan UNSC Special Forces combatants is geared toward stealth and infiltration tactics, using both passive and active camouflaging systems. Over the last several years, select detachments of ODST have adopted the SPI armor and related PR systems even as S-III operators gradually transition to MJOLNIR. As many previously non-augmented Special Force personnel are enhanced to SPARTAN-IV status, the MIRAGE PIA and related photoreactive systems can serve to fill an operational niche allowing special operators-turned-Spartans to make use of their existing stealth training and tactics with greater efficacy than conventional, non-PR-equipped MJOLNIR would allow. In addition, Spartan personnel who otherwise use non-PR armor systems may equip the MIRAGE set on stealth-oriented deployments.


PHYSICAL CONFIGURATION (for detailed breakdown see attached file MRG_REP_09/PHYS_CONFIG)

It was decided early on to maintain the basic plating architecture of the SPI system so as to avoid attempting to reinvent the wheel. The SPI's existing plating configuration has been proven effective for its primary role of stealth, and provides a sufficient degree of mobility despite the extensive hard plating coverage due to the use of overlapping armor plates that allow a certain range of motion over one another. It should be noted that several changes have been made to the details of the plating, mainly for reasons of:
  1. Adaptation to the different base system and techsuit
  2. Improving stealth properties via a more efficient plating configuration and elimination of surface irregularities
  3. Advancements enabled by improved manufacturing methods and materials.
External changes and features of note:
  • The armor plating is now fastened almost exclusively by concealed interlocking mechanisms wherever possible in order to minimize unwanted disturbances (e.g. screws or recesses) in the PR camouflage. Like the SPI armor, the MIRAGE suit's armor plating is equipped with an embedded EM mesh allowing the attachment of MPAS-compatible equipment pouches and other accessories.
  • The gauntlets and upper arms use a further refined version of the Mk. II SPI Alpha configuration. Mk II Beta/Mk. III style gauntlets are scheduled to begin production with certain variant models at a later date.
  • The PR plating on the inner thighs has been streamlined and simplified
  • The torso and chest armor are informed by both SPI Mk. II and Mk. III, although the gaps in the Mk. III chest armor have been eliminated.

NOTE: The Mirage development team is aware that the minimalism of the MIRAGE PIA's armor plating is in violation of the UNSC's "Ascendancy" visual guideline (08/01/2553) which recommends, in the section "Spartan Armor", that "70-90% of armor surface be covered in structural features (rivets, screws, vents, seams, buckles, engravings, indentations, et al; functional or otherwise) to evoke the impression of technological sophistication. Areas of smooth surface should be avoided wherever possible, and it is recommended that otherwise smooth sections be sculpted to more intricate and aesthetically stimulating shapes." However, several tests have shown that complex surface geometries are more likely to interfere with the camouflage pattern to a negative effect than smooth ones, in addition to being more resource-intensive on both the pattern-rendering software and the PR polymer. The Mirage team is of the opinion that purely utilitarian concerns (namely, the effectiveness of stealth) should weigh more heavily than cosmetic preferences in this case, as said utilitarian concerns are the reason the armor system in question exists. (SIDE NOTE: The Mirage team considers it prudent to point out that multiple studies show smooth surfaces distribute directed-energy attacks more effectively than baroquely sculpted ones, and have tangible benefits in reducing energy shield drain due to less complicated shield shaping.)


TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (for detailed technical breakdown see attached file MRG_REP_09/TECH_SPECS)

By far the most notable change in the MIRAGE suit is the move from a semi-powered to a fully powered system. Despite similar outward appearances, every component of the suit has been overhauled as necessitated by the different techsuit architecture. The plating is MJOLNIR-grade titanium alloy with outer layers of ablative ceramic and adaptive PR polymer coated with a protective layer of a non-reflective transparent ceramic material. The camouflage has a greatly improved fidelity and a texture adaptation speed measured in milliseconds thanks to advancements in PR polymer technology and the superior computational capacity of the MJOLNIR's data crystal layer. Embedded proto-AI routines leverage the operator's own pattern-matching wetware (with the processed sensory data relayed through a neural interface) as well as MJOLNIR's broad-spectrum sensor suite to detect not only observers but enemy observers, optimizing the adaptive camouflage directionally in fractions of a second to present the least detectable texture to hostile units. The MJOLNIR's fusion pack enables a virtually indefinite adaptive camouflage with an efficient 97-98% of the base GEN-2 shield while in use. This ratio can be adjusted with concessions to either physical enhancement, shield strength, or camouflage duration.

The standard MIRAGE helmet contains every default feature of mainstream GEN-2 systems, including an AI interface port compatible with all current Spartan-issue neural implants and an integrated communications suite. The default VISR suite for the MIRAGE armor set contains an improved version of the extant SPI Mk. III interface, bringing it line with other GEN-2 systems; incorporating IR, BWIM, CMR, AR, etc. vision enhancement modes, motion tracker and compass, status lights, automatic zoom, an intuitive saccadal/neural control interface, et al. The visor's outer surface is fully photoreactive.

The MIRAGE team recommends the use of PR-coated accessories (adaptive-texture UA plating, pouches, weapon shrouds, barrel sheaths, camouflage cloaks, etc.) in conjunction with the MIRAGE set. The suit contains a wireless link to any attached external PR components and is fully compatible with all UNSC issue adaptive camouflage accessories. Extant non-Mirage PR conversions to mainline reconnaissance- and stealth- oriented armor systems (e.g. RECON, SCOUT) are fully compatible with the MIRAGE armor set (see attached file MRG_REP_09/TECH_SPECS for full list of compatible systems).

NOTE: While Navy and Army preferences approve of the "no-nonsense" solid base color surface of the baseline MIRAGE suit, Spartan Corps doctrine has decreed that "Solid color should not exceed 20-30% of armor plating, which should preferably be adorned with one or more geometric patterns or otherwise graphic markings, covering 20-90% of the plating surface. Saturated and vibrant hues, particularly mixtures thereof, are preferred to dour and traditionally militaristic washed-out browns, grays, or greens. All armor color configurations and designs must conform to the "Ascendancy" aesthetic doctrine and be approved by Spartan Corps' resident board of graphic designers. This is to highlight enlistment with the Spartans as an exciting career opportunity for a New Generation of Heroes, as well as to ensure a diverse supply of thrilling imagery for Spartan Public Relations material. " (Spartan Field Manual 2555, Section 3: "Armor Appearance"). Because of the MIRAGE system's photoreactive nature, however, the Mirage team strongly recommends forgoing any superficial markings so as to avoid obstructing the functionality of the adaptive-texture surfaces. Based on performance data of operators using first-generation MJOLNIR and SPI systems, the Mirage team has concluded that cosmetic armor markings, however in keeping with the UNSC's postwar aesthetic guidelines, do not have any positive impact on a Spartan's performance nor the armor's functionality, leaving such ornamentation a fashion statement at best. Although the PR coating can theoretically be programmed to display extraneous surface markings when active, the Mirage team strongly advises against this in tactical situations.

VARIANTS (for more detailed specifications on the MIRAGE development tree see attached file MRG_REP_09/VARIANTS)

The MIRAGE project has produced several offshoots and permutations for the MIRAGE platform. Few of these are full-scale conversions that necessitate altering the physical makeup of the suit in a noticeable way, but rather largely internal "modification kits" that allow the suit's relatively rapid optimization for a given specialty role. However, as suit components and variant lines are outsourced to private manufacturing firms, some deviation from the standard physical template is to be expected (NOTE: the MIRAGE team strongly recommends that any aberrations from the core template not compromise stealth properties or protection in the name of "market-friendly" redesigns).
  • Headhunter: production offshoot optimized specifically for long-range missions with minimal resupply, backup, or contact with friendly forces. Features augmented communications, hardened satellite/drone uplinks and feeds (COMsat, CLARION, STARS, et al.), tracking, and mapping equipment.
  • Berserker: developed in conjunction with the ongoing VORPAL program, the BERSERKER modification kit attunes the MIRAGE system for the peculiarities of S-III Gamma Company's altered neurology. Uses CMR overlays, neural interface mediation, and modest combat pharmaceuticals to improve operator focus while under the "berserk" state experienced by the Gamma Spartans under grave injury or stress, as well as to speed up recovery from said state. The set also features several emergency stabilizing features as well as an automated "Smoother" anti-psychotic medication dispenser as a contingency for the medicinal-synthesizing pump implants received by most Gamma personnel in their VORPAL-II post-augmentation bio-maintenance and upgrade procedure.
  • Ferret: informal specialization kit in use with select top-secret ONI S-III investigations/direct action teams, featuring additional intrusion and C-PIE routines, a tactical analysis suite with optimized CMR VISR modes, specialized awareness-enhancing "Subtle AI" network, as well as the Artemis Tracking System (ATS) as standard equipment. Designed to be used in conjunction with the BERSERKER mod kit.
  • Ambrose: increases survivability at a minute cost of physical enhancement. Features increased shield strength, life support (co-developed with the NIGHTFALL project), and an augmented bio-monitor suite. Ideal for large-scale, high-intensity combat operations and hostile environments.
// END FILE

--

A lot of people, myself included, have wanted to see a SPI-based in-game armor set for some time now. So I thought I'd depict how I might go about making one both design- and backstory-wise. I wanted to give the impression that the suit has undergone some evolution but still stay faithful to the classic design first and foremost for the sake of familiarity. Why not just call it "SPI"? Because the acronym won't be applicable anymore as the suit is powered now.

I've always appreciated minimalism in armor designs (and design in general for that matter); it's why the SPI armor and the classic Halo CE Mark V are some of my favorites. I also think a big part of why designs like the Stormtrooper/Clone Trooper armor are so iconic is because they're simple and definitive and not filled with visual noise everywhere like a lot of modern video game armors are (looking at 343i here). They have enough smooth surfaces to give the design room to breathe and for the viewer to take in the overall shapes. I've also found that it takes a lot more restraint as an artist not to add in superficial detail; it's extremely tempting to add a few screws here and a little vent there or a seam or two on this surface. But I really wanted to make sure I could justify most (if not all) of my decisions with this (re)design, even if it's mostly modeled after the classic SPI. That said, had I not thought of people's expectations of what a SPI variant should look like I would've gone further with some of the changes. For example, I found no way to rationalize the little holes in the metal-colored parts on the gauntlets and boots (or why those parts are a different color in the first place) but put them in anyway because those parts looked awfully empty without them.

I might update this one with a back view at some later date (EDIT: I actually updated it with a camouflaged version). Now I'll have to focus on the several commissions I have piled up.

Credit for the "Headhunter" and "Ambrose" names goes to sanbi17.
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© 2016 - 2024 The-Chronothaur
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So it's SPI armor ported for mjolnir? stealth armor with energy shielding and strength, speed, and reflex increase is a good thing i guess.