Editing AirStar (section)

== History ==

=== Establishment and Nova 700 ===

AirStar was established by inventor Mike Wood of Irvine, California, through Pneu Systems Inc. Bruce Gillette served as the company's director of sales and marketing.[1][3]

The company's first marker, the '''Nova 700''', was introduced at the [[1998 Zap International Amateur Open]] in Pennsylvania. Gillette demonstrated the marker to tournament attendees.[1][4]

The Nova 700 differed considerably from conventional semi-automatic markers. Its operating mechanism used a pneumatically controlled spool valve and a moving barrel assembly known as the '''Articulated Barrel System''' (ABS).

The barrel moved backwards to surround a paintball in the breech before firing, eliminating the need for a conventional reciprocating bolt. The marker operated at approximately 95 psi and could use either CO2 or compressed air.[1]

The Nova 700 was distributed by [[National Paintball Supply]].[1]

=== Super Nova ===

In 1999, AirStar introduced the '''Super Nova''', a revised marker incorporating several improvements to the original design.

These included a vertical feed port, a 45-style grip frame and a bottom-line mounted regulator.[1][5]

The Super Nova also featured AirStar's '''Dicer''' technology, which used aluminium alloy pellets inside an expansion chamber to improve heat transfer and help stabilise gas pressure during firing.[1]

At the [[1999 Zap Amateur Open]], AirStar demonstrated the Super Nova alongside the forthcoming electronic-trigger version.[5]

=== Super Nova ET ===

The '''Super Nova ET''' (Electronic Trigger) introduced electronic trigger actuation to the existing pneumatic mechanism.

Rather than using a conventional electronic control board, the design employed a 9-volt battery, microswitch and solenoid valve to activate the marker's pneumatic firing system. Its timing remained mechanically and pneumatically controlled.[1]

AirStar demonstrated the Super Nova ET at the 1999 Zap Masters tournament, where Mike Wood and Bruce Gillette presented the company's marker range.[6]

=== Safety recalls and dissolution ===

AirStar experienced safety problems involving the regulators fitted to some Nova markers.

In 1999, approximately 200 Nova 700 markers were recalled following concerns about regulator overpressure protection. Contemporary technical coverage identified serial numbers 991 1500 through 991 1787 as affected, along with some earlier markers that had received replacement regulators.[1]

A further recall followed in 2000. According to AirStar's subsequent company announcement, incorrectly machined regulator components supplied to the manufacturer created a risk of uncontrolled pressure.[3][7]

AirStar's closure announcement stated that, on 31 August 2000, the board of directors of Pneu Systems Inc., trading as AirStar, voted to dissolve the company.

The announcement attributed the decision to the financial effects of the recall and substantial investment in new product development.[7]