Iron_Man_First_Armour_Mark2

"I'd like to open a new project file, index as "Mark II"."
"Shall I store this on the Stark Industries' central database?"
"I don't know who to trust right now. Till further notice, why don't we just keep everything on my private server."
―Tony Stark and J.A.R.V.I.S.[src]

After returning from captivity in Afghanistan, Tony Stark began designing the Mark II armor, drastically revamping the design of the Mark I using the resources and technology available to him through his company: Stark Industries. Tony started building this suit in stages, experimenting with new technology, mainly to improve the suit's flight capabilities. Working from his basement workshop Tony started by creating a pair of thruster boots, quickly followed by a pair of palm-based repulsor gauntlets to stabilize his flight.

MarkII-IM
Tony Stark using the Mark II for the first time

Once Tony had perfected the flight thrusters and repulsors, he went on to create the armor of the suit itself, making it more sleek and aerodynamic than the Mark I, with articulated control flaps for added flight control and stability. He also created a user interface using his J.A.R.V.I.S. AI system. During his first control test, Tony decided to take the Mark II on its first full test flight despite J.A.R.V.I.S.'s recommendations. His flight proved to be an outstanding success until testing the suit's altitude limit, during which it demonstrated a near-fatal icing problem in the higher altitude.