The ultimate self-defense system, simplified.

The Mark VII project began in January 2026 with a simple goal: take Mark VI and create a suit that is simpler, more practical, and more reliable. Mark VI relied heavily on actuated systems, including a linear actuator for the flamethrower and a servo for the over-the-shoulder projectile launcher. While these mechanisms were visually impressive, they introduced additional complexity and required time to deploy before use. For Mark VII, the decision was made to eliminate these actuators entirely and instead focus on systems that are already positioned where they need to be and ready for immediate operation.

This design philosophy led to Mark VII's defining feature: all primary systems are mounted on a chest rig and oriented downward when inactive. Unlike Mark VI, the suit no longer uses arm gauntlets and instead consists of just a chest rig and backpack mounted onto a tactical vest. To activate the suit, the wearer simply grabs the handles and swings the chest rig upward at the shoulders, similar to bringing a weapon from a low-ready position onto target. Once raised, all systems face forward and are immediately available for use. They are activated via buttons located on the handles.

The suit incorporates three primary systems: the Swarm Gun V2 projectile launcher, LiquiFlame flammable pepper spray system, and a collimated burning laser. These systems are mounted within the chest rig, which also houses the electronics, including an ESP32 microcontroller and a Nextion touchscreen interface.

The backpack contains the support equipment required to operate the suit, including the compressed air tank for the Swarm Gun V2, the LiquiFlame reservoir and pump, and the main battery pack. Separating these components from the chest rig helps distribute weight while keeping the front of the suit compact.

The touchscreen, located at the top of the chest rig, serves as the primary control interface and allows the user to configure the various systems. Functions such as selecting firing modes, adjusting settings, and controlling the lighting systems can all be performed through the display. The screen also provides real-time system information including battery level, temperature, air quality, and ammunition count. When the chest rig is raised into its active position, the touchscreen is positioned directly in front of the wearer's face, allowing these statistics and system statuses to be monitored in real time while the suit is in use.

Additional upgrades over Mark VI include an integrated audio system that provides spoken warnings and status updates for conditions such as low battery and low ammunition. The suit also incorporates a pair of forward-facing 1,200-lumen "headlights" that can operate in either steady or strobe mode.

Finally, a ring-shaped LED mounted on the chest rig serves both aesthetic and practical purposes. While it evokes the appearance of Iron Man's arc reactor, it also functions as a utility light when the chest rig is in its lowered position. For nighttime use, the light can be switched to red to minimize disruption of the wearer's night vision.

System 1

Swarm Gun V2

The Swarm Gun V2 is an upgraded version of Mark VI's Swarm Gun V1, named for its ability to strike targets rapidly like a swarm of angry bees. Version 1 fired 0.25-caliber steel ball bearings at a rate of 23 rounds per second (1,400 RPM) from a 130-round magazine. While the high rate of fire was impressive, ammunition was depleted quickly. Inspired by modern compressed-gas-powered self-defense launchers, the Swarm Gun V2 instead fires 0.50-caliber projectiles, including nylon, aluminum, steel, and pepper balls. Since a 1,400 RPM fire rate is unnecessary for larger projectiles, the new system fires at a more practical rate of five rounds per second (300 RPM) while carrying 50 rounds in a newly designed magazine fully contained within the chest rig. The fire rate can be adjusted using a built-in needle valve.

The Swarm Gun V2 features three selectable firing modes: semi-automatic, full-automatic, and two-round burst. These modes can be selected via the suit's touchscreen, which also displays a live ammunition count as the weapon is fired. Air is supplied by a standard 0.5-liter, 4,500-psi compressed air tank located in the backpack and the system fires at a pressure of 200 psi. Twenty-three-grain nylon projectiles are launched at speeds of approximately 320 feet per second. When the suit's safety is disengaged, a green laser automatically turns on to assist with aiming. 

System 2

LiquiFlame

Once again inspired by Mark VI, which could deploy either pepper spray or a propane-fueled flamethrower, Mark VII combines both concepts into a single system while recognizing that a traditional flamethrower is not well suited for self-defense. The result is LiquiFlame, a system that fires a flammable alcohol-based pepper spray. In normal operation, LiquiFlame functions as a high-capacity pepper spray launcher for self-defense. However, the liquid can also be ignited after reaching its target.

To improve safety, Mark VII does not incorporate an ignition source directly at the nozzle. Instead, the suit's Laser (System 3) can be used to ignite the liquid once it has settled on a target at a safe distance from the wearer. This approach significantly reduces the risk associated with igniting the spray near the operator.

LiquiFlame features two firing modes: continuous mode and burst mode, which delivers several short bursts each second. A 900 mL reservoir located in the backpack stores the liquid, while a high-pressure pump, solenoid valve, and custom-designed nozzle work together to deliver it accurately onto the target. Unlike Mark VI, which depended on a pressurized reservoir to force liquid from the system, Mark VII uses a dedicated pump. This simplifies refilling, removes the need to maintain tank pressure, and provides more consistent liquid delivery. 

System 3

Laser

No lengthy explanation is needed for System 3. The suit incorporates a collimated burning laser capable of delivering a painful sting to a target or igniting combustible materials. In addition to serving as a standalone system, the laser can also be used in conjunction with LiquiFlame to ignite the liquid after it has reached its target.