Iron Man films Informatics Part 10: Iron Legion as a whole

After the Chitauri invasion in The Avengers, Tony Stark had come to realize that not even Iron Man and War Machine would be enough to protect the Earth. Hence he decided to create an array of new armors known as the Iron Legion (Mark VIII to XLI), some built for their own specific purpose. They were deployed by J.A.R.V.I.S. to Miami as per the "House Party" protocol in Iron Man 3, to assist Tony and his partner James Rhodes in the fight against Aldrich Killian and the Extremist soldiers.

Here are some of the more remarkable armors as seen in the aforementioned photo..

Mark XV - "Sneaky" Stealth Armor

Mark XVI - "Nightclub" Stealth Armor

Mark XVII - "Heartbreaker" Artillery Level RT Armor

Mark XXV - "Striker" Heavy Construction Armor

Mark XXXIII - "Silver Centurion" Energy-Enhanced Armor

Mark XXXV - "Red Snapper" Disaster Rescue Armor

Mark XXXVII - "Hammerhead" Deep-Sea Amor

Mark XXXVIII - "Igor" Heavy Lifting Armor

Mark XXXIX - "Gemini" Sub-Orbital Armor

Mark XL - "Shotgun" Hypervelocity Armor

Mark XLI - "Bones" Skeleton Armor

Iron Man films Informatics Part 9: Mark VII armor

The Mark VII armor uses advanced technologies based on the Mark V Suitcase armor, which makes it far easier to put on. When not in use, the Mark VII can be folded into a large pod. When activated by J.A.R.V.I.S., it can take flight with its repulsor units and fold-out wings. After making its way to Tony, it extends robotic arms equipped with laser scanners, which synchronize with scannable wrist cuffs. The armor automatically wraps itself around him, without any need for a gantry, saving him from falling off Stark Tower. 

This armor uses a laser-scannable pattern reading system, and functions as a non-gantry armor capable of near instant application. It has over four additional thruster systems, hip-mounted universal direction missile launchers with a circle of 16 missiles, and is equipped with over 92 high-explosive micro-missiles, twin tri-barreled laser modules that can penetrate any armor and cause considerable damage, and a single high-explosive anti-armor missile, as well as upgraded plasma chargers, allowing for higher repulsor rates. It is also granted enhanced flight due to additional thrusters on the back of the feet, calves and legs. Tony used this armor during the battle between the Avengers and the Chitauri army.

Iron Man films Informatics Part 8: Mark VI armor

The Mark VI armor is the first armor to be powered by a Vibranium Arc Reactor, solving the lethal palladium problem caused by the old arc reactor. The equipment has been improved, including a laser system that uses the extra energy powered by the Vibranium. The Mark VI has been upgraded with twin rectangular, six-barreled, shoulder-mounted missile launchers. Tony used it to battle the Hammer Drones and Whiplash at Stark Expo. He later used it to battle Loki and Thor, and to repair the damaged engine of the SHIELD Helicarrier.

 

Stark "Turn and Burn" Laser Weapon

The primary upgrade to the Mark VI is the inclusion of a prototype 200kW [estimated] laser system. The laser takes advantage of the increased power supply provided by the new RT chest piece and is configured for a one-time simultaneous shell discharge from each of the two gauntlets. The weapons may be chemical, as suggested by the nature of the ejected shells from the gauntlet. Another theory is that a micro-particle generator in the suit powered by the upgraded element could serve as a chem-particle core to generate energy enough to create an extreme exothermic reaction.

Mini Missiles

Stark upgraded the wrist-mounted mini-missiles to newer casings that allow the missiles to penetrate through armored surfaces before detonating. While modifying the suit's gauntlets for the new casings, he also increased the capacity to a circle of 8 missiles.They were shown to have great effect, as only three small missiles could critically destroy a Hammer Drone. The Mark VI is equipped with twin rectangular six barreled shoulder-mounted missile launchers. The missiles seem to be computer-guided and micro-jet powered. These have no differences from earlier armors. They proved ineffective against Vanko's Mark II armor when fired upon. An upgraded version of these were seen in The Avengers on the Mark VII, modified as hip-mounted universal direction missile launchers with a circle of 16 missiles.

Iron Man films Informatics Part 7: Mark V armor

While previous models required Tony Stark to don the armor via a heavy, complex robotic gantry system, a pilot can don the Mark V without such cumbersome mechanics, because it can easily transform into an innocent-looking briefcase which Stark can carry with him. 

The suitcase containing the fully armored suit weighs approximately 30 lbs. It has a special system of cerebral-like overlapping strips of titanium exterior. It is equipped with JBF-030581 Mark V palm repulsors. Despite of its lightness, the power of this armor must not be underestimated. In this armor, Tony was able to defeat Whiplash during his first attack in Monaco.

Iron Man films Informatics Part 6: Mark IV armor

Tony Stark developed this version after Obadiah Stane (aka Iron Monger) damaged the Mark III. Its exoskeleton can lift up to 3 tons and fly beyond the sound barrier, thanks to the jet thrusters in its boots. The Arc Reactor from which the armor draws its power is nearly three times as powerful as that of the Mark I armor. However, its power source, Palladium, was slowly poisoning Stark.

Comm-Link

Similar to the Mark III's, this chin-mounted device seemed to allow Mr. Stark to use local cell sites for wireless communications. It also included a loudspeaker as well as several individually-calibrated directional microphones, which Stark used to pick up exterior sounds.

Controlled Unibeam

Stark previously weaponized his RT chest piece in the Mark III by externalizing its light energy into a powerful beam. The thermoplastic lens used to focus the beam's energy was modified for the Mark IV with a variable prismatic shutter that allows Stark to control the beam's intensity.

Iron Man films Informatics Part 5: Mark III armor

Tony Stark solved the icing problem and subsequent power shutdown from the Mark II armor by creating a new armor made of a gold-titanium alloy. Stark Industries' signature targeting systems were added to the Mark III. Each projectile weapon, carrying its own microcomputer, could communicate wirelessly with the targeting system even after launch, tracking the most mobile targets and even changing targets en route. 

The Mark III System, made of lightweight yet extraordinarily strong alloy shell, offers remarkable durability without compromising mobility. This armor was constructed as a flexible foundation from which further improvements can be made. A series of flaps improve the aerodynamics, while new weapons enrich its offensive capabilities. These weapons include repulsor beams on the palms, the unibeam on the chest and forearm missiles. There are supplementary batteries hidden in the sides; jet-engine vents have been fitted inside the boots to disperse the heat of the built-in repulsors needed for flight mode. This armor was retired from service after being severely damaged during the battle against the Iron Monger, and put on display in the Hall of Armors.

Iron Man films Informatics Part 4: Mark II armor

Built by Tony Stark after his return from Afghanistan, this silver armor provides the basic structure of the Iron Man armor. Lighter than the Mark I and equipped with a more complex control system, this prototype is the first to be connected to JARVIS – Stark’s artificial intelligence operating system – through a holographic interface. The main focus of the Mark II was to update the armor with advanced construction and material with a focus to greatly enhancing it's flight capabilities. Stripping down the Mark I suit to it's basics, with the aid of modern resources and computer aided design, Stark was able to make the armor both much more streamlined while including massively more complex systems. JARVIS supplies technical support, a global positioning system, target scanning and displays for navigation, power levels and human vital signs. The Mark II repulsor beams and their shape have been utilized to enhance flight control. The HUD multi-processor computer system was projected against the lenses that covered the eyeholes.

Stark confirmed with Agent Coulson that the HUD included the J.A.R.V.I.S. monitoring capabilities and observational protocol, a Global Positioning System, target scanning, and displays for navigation, power level, and vital signs. One of the main goals of the Mark II armor was to provide flight stabilization to control the Thruster Boots. The strength of the Repulsor Rays was apparently not initially weapons-grade in the Mark II. It also has notably no weapons on board like later models. In spite of its amazing capabilities, the armor faced a major setback: when Stark flew at higher altitudes, the armor froze and the system shut down! It was later taken by Stark’s best friend James Rhodes, and modified into the first War Machine armor. Stark later made another Mark II suit to display in the Hall of Armors.

Iron Man films Informatics Part 3: Mark I armor

This one started it all: the very first model, a crude and basic suit built from hundreds of spare parts and various pieces of scrap iron. Tony Stark designed it to protect himself and escape from the cavernous prison in which he was held captive. The armor included rudimentary, though effective, equipment and weapons. Two flamethrowers on each forearm give off blasts of flame covering a distance of 25 feet. The helmet served only as a simple shield, and was not fully sealed. Stark refashioned the special iron-copper-magnesium alloy from disassembled Stark mortar cannons into the Mark I armor, rendering it especially bulletproof. To power the thruster boots, Stark reportedly siphoned the propellant fuel from four Stark S-class ballistic missiles into two Stark M-class mortars, creating two homemade fuel tanks, welded shut except for valves connecting fuel hoses that led down to the Mark I's legs. 

He had to quickly build the suit to evade detection and make the deadline for which Raza expected the Jericho Missiles to be completed. Tony managed to complete the suit and make it out alive, but he failed to save Yinsen. He killed many of the terrorists and burned their weapons. Due to its limited flying function, the thrusters shorted out and Stark crash-landed in the middle of the desert. Upon crash-landing, the suit was disassembled and Stark was forced to abandon it; he was soon rescued by James Rhodes and US armed forces. Nonetheless, this armor paved the way for future Iron Man suits. It was collected by Obadiah Stane and used as the basis for the Iron Monger armor. The pieces were eventually collected by Tony and displayed in the Hall of Armor. It was later destoryed alongside Mark II to VI from the attack of the Mandarin's helicopters.

Iron Man films Informatics Part 2: Arc Reactor and elements used to power it up

ARC REACTOR

Howard Stark and defected Soviet scientist Anton Vanko first designed the Arc Reactor. It was immense, Howard saw it as the stepping stone to create a new, stable element that would render nuclear power obsolete. But Anton saw it as a way to get rich and when Howard found out, he had Anton and his family deported. Howard's son, Tony, miniaturized the design and uses it to power the Iron Man armor.

After being critically wounded in an ambush by the Ten Rings, Tony Stark was imprisoned in a cave and ordered to build a missile for them, To save his life, fellow captive Dr. Yinsen put a electromagnet in his chest to keeps the shrapnel in Stark's chest from reaching his heart and killing him. The Ten Rings offers Tony his freedom in exchange for building a Jericho missile for the group, but Tony and Yinsen knew they will not keep their word. So Tony and Yinsen secretly build a device that provides a clean source of energy called an "Arc Reactor", to power Stark's electromagnet. A massive arc reactor provided power for the sprawling complex of Stark Industries. The arc reactor was allegedly capable of powering the electromagnet protecting Tony's heart for fifty lifetimes on its own and power a suit of armor to escape. 

PALLADIUM

Stark's design of the reactor in his chest required a heavy element such as palladium to keep it running. Unfortunately, palladium was continuously eroded by the neutron bombardment, and released deadly poisions into Tony's bloodstream. He grows increasingly despondent and reckless due to his impending death, and choosing not to tell anyone about his condition. As Tony came to understand that his demise was at hand, he began giving his possessions away, including appointing Pepper CEO of Stark Industries, and allowing Rhodey to 'steal' the Mark 2 Iron Man suit and take it back to the US Military. 

It wasn't until SHIELD's intervention that Tony's poisoning symptoms were temporarily reverted and he was set on the trail to find his father's design for a new element to replace the Palladium. Building a small particle accelerator in his garage, Tony was finally able to create a new element that met his needs, and in turn created a brand new suit to utilize the new power.

VIBRANIUM

Vibranium comes from a nation called Wakanda, a small country in Africa and is the rarest metal on earth. Vibraniun absorbs vibratory energy in its vicinity, such as sound waves, within itself. The apparent observable vibratory rate of the molecules of the Vibranium itself does not noticeably increase when the Vibranium absorbs mechanical energy. The outside vibratory energy is stored within the bonds between the molecules making up the Vibranium. 

Captain America's shield was constructed by Howard Stark using vibranium. Howard states that vibranium is stronger than and a third of the weight of steel, is completely vibration-absorbent. It was strong enough to resist several laser projections from the HYDRAs guns, powered by the Tesseract.

Tony Stark rediscovered the element after decoding a hidden message containing the structure of the element left in the diorama of the 1974 Stark Expo by his father, Howard. Although unnamed in the film itself, the novelization identifies the element as vibranium. Stark later uses it in an experiment and after charging it with a high power laser (and destroying most of the room) he uses it to prevent the poisoning of his blood.

Tony later uses new Arc reactor technology to develop a large scale version of the reactor to power his Stark Tower in New York City, which is said to have the ability keep the building running for over a year with clean energy. Tony's personal arc reactor prevents Loki from taking control of his mind, as the reactor blocks this effect of Loki's staff, which normally allows Loki to control the minds of others.

Iron Man films Informatics Part 1: Intro to Tony Stark, inventor of the Iron Man suits

Anthony "Tony" Stark is a billionaire industrialist and inventor. He runs Stark Industries, originally started by his father, Howard Stark. In Afghanistan Tony was captured by Ten Rings, they ordered him to build the Jericho missile for them, instead Stark with Ho Yinsen helped use their resources to build a suit of armor and make their escape. Returning to America, Stark improves his armor and become the invincible superhero, Iron Man.

Stark is still human with the exception of his Arc Reactor in his chest. He is one of the richest, smartest and most powerful men in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His power however comes from his high-tech battle suit known as the Iron Man Armor, which grants him extraordinary strength, durability, flight capabilities and various on-board weaponry. He is a founding member of the Avengers.

Character Traits

Tony Stark is an outgoing man who enjoys drinking and gambling, all the while possessing the capacity to become an expert in thermonuclear astrophysics overnight. Tony is shown to be a big fan of Australian hard rock band AC/DC.

An inventive mechanical engineering prodigy, Stark is constantly creating new technology and looking for ways to improve it. At the start of Iron Man, he has little concern for the effect his weapons have on others. However, for all his flaws, Tony is a good man at heart and wants to use his technology to better the world.

From Iron Man to Iron Man 2, Tony has an unique friendship with James Rhodes. Rhodey tries to keep Tony on the straight and narrow although he has stated at times it is not that easy. Although they have been friends for many years, Tony's erratic nature at times makes it difficult for Rhodey to choose between Tony and his duty to the military as clearly evident in the second film, however, by near the end of the film, they have once again become friends on one accord.

In The Avengers, Tony has matured to an extent: while around Pepper he is able to openly express his feelings around her. However, upon being around the team, he still shows the same "qualities" that he is known for. He immediately clashes with Steve Rogers due to their very different personalities, and nearly come to blows when the Helicarrier falls under attack. The two quickly put their feud aside to help repair the ship.

Stark quickly strikes up a friendship with Dr. Bruce Banner, as the two have several things in common including a genius-level IQ. Stark relates to him that his arc reactor -- which keeps shrapnel from reaching his heart--is a great power that he can control, which is not unlike Banner's abilities as The Hulk. In fact, Stark is the only one who doesn't fear the Hulk, and helps Banner realize that The Hulk is more of a blessing than a curse.

Upon Coulson's death, while he tries not to show it in front of Captain America, he shows that his death has greatly affected him. By the time of the battle of New York, he has no problem taking orders from Cap, knowing what is on the line.

In Iron Man 3, Tony is constantly haunted from his near death experience from The Avengers. Fearing he couldn't protect people he cared for, he decided to make repeated upgrades of his armors, not only inserting various remote control devices into his body that would allow him to summon the new Mark XLII with his thoughts alone, but also created the "Iron Legion" of multiple remote-controlled armors keyed in to his physiology.

After defeating Aldrich Killian and the Extremist soldiers, Tony finally decides to undergo surgery to remove the shrapnel from himself, and letting his arc reactor go because he finally understood that Iron Man is the man who "built" the armor, not the armor that wears the man.