Editing AKALMP (section)

== History ==

=== Origins ===

AKALMP developed from LEADS Metal Products, an American precision machining business established by the Alexander family in 1986.

The family business operated in Indianapolis, Indiana, manufacturing precision components for various industries, including aerospace and medical applications.[2]

Aaron K. Alexander, who studied aerospace engineering at Purdue University, became involved in paintball equipment development during the late 1980s.

The company's machining capabilities allowed Alexander to develop specialised components for paintball markers, particularly those based on the [[Autococker]] platform.

The AKA name was derived from Aaron K. Alexander, who served as president and principal designer of AKALMP.[2][5]

=== Autococker components ===

AKALMP became established in the paintball equipment market during the late 1990s.

In 1997, the company introduced its Tornado valve for the Autococker. The valve was designed to improve gas efficiency and permit operation at lower pressures than conventional valve systems.

Other early products included the Javelin barrel and Mitey Max expansion chamber.

The company subsequently developed additional low-pressure components, including the Lightning Bolt and specialised regulators.[2]

AKALMP also produced customised Autococker markers, including the limited-production Black Widow, which incorporated several of its proprietary components.[2]

=== VLM and Merlin ===

In 1999, AKALMP began manufacturing Autococker-compatible bodies for Splat Attack's Revenge marker series.

These bodies were marketed as the '''VLM''' and featured modifications including enlarged valve chambers, wire ball detents and interchangeable feed necks.[2]

The company subsequently developed the '''VLM Merlin''', which incorporated a revised valve arrangement and larger internal air chamber.

The Merlin design used a front-loading valve system and a corresponding front block configuration. It became the basis for further customised Autococker markers.[2]

In July 1999, [[Worr Game Products]] brought a trade dress lawsuit against AKALMP and Splat Attack concerning their Autococker-compatible designs.

According to historical accounts of the dispute, the lawsuit was dismissed in January 2000.[2]

=== Excalibur ===

AKALMP began developing its own electronic paintball marker in October 1998.

The resulting [[AKA Excalibur]] was an electronically controlled, closed-bolt marker featuring an integrated pneumatic system.

Unlike conventional Autococker-based electronic conversions, the Excalibur was designed with its pneumatic components and firing mechanism incorporated within the marker body.

The design used a low-pressure Tornado valve, pneumatically operated hammer and ram mechanisms, and electronically controlled solenoid valves.

AKALMP exhibited the Excalibur at the 2000 [[International Amateur Open]], where contemporary reporting identified it as a low-pressure electropneumatic marker entering production.[5][6]

The Excalibur was subsequently offered in several configurations, including revised 2003 and 2004 models.

=== Viking ===

In 2002, AKALMP introduced the [[AKA Viking]], a mechanically simpler and less expensive alternative to the Excalibur.

The Viking used an open-bolt electronic operating system, unlike the Excalibur's closed-bolt design.

Both models incorporated proprietary AKA components, including the Tornado valve, Sidewinder regulator and Lightning Bolt.

The Viking and Excalibur were documented in contemporary tournament coverage and supported by an official combined operating manual issued in November 2003.[3][7]

=== End of electronic marker production ===

In 2004, AKALMP became involved in an intellectual property dispute with [[Smart Parts]], which held patents relating to electronically controlled paintball markers.

The companies reached an agreement under which AKALMP ceased production of the Viking and Excalibur.

The manufacturer's published FAQ confirms that it was bound by a legal agreement preventing the production of further electronically controlled markers.[4]

The agreement ended the company's electronic marker production but did not terminate its broader paintball equipment business.

AKALMP continued producing and supplying regulators, valves and other components.

=== Later operations ===

Aaron Alexander left the original AKALMP operation in 2005.

In 2014, the AKALMP business was acquired by [[Destructive Customs]], which assumed responsibility for sales and distribution of the company's products.[1]

The AKA brand subsequently continued operating, supplying components for both modern and vintage paintball markers.

Its product range includes Sidewinder and 2-Liter regulators, Tornado valves, Lightning Bolts and replacement parts for the Viking, Excalibur, Merlin and other markers.

The current AKA Paintball operation is based in Florence, Massachusetts, United States.[8]