Editing Air America (section)

== History ==

=== Establishment and early products ===

Air America was founded by Dan Colby in 1990. The company initially developed products intended to improve the consistency of CO2-powered paintball markers before expanding into compressed-air systems.[1]

Its early products included the '''Whispering Death''' expansion chamber and '''Unireg''' adjustable pressure regulator.[1]

The Unireg was introduced during the early 1990s and became one of the first widely available compressed-air regulator systems for paintball. It was commonly supplied with 3,000 psi cylinders and offered adjustable output pressures suitable for different paintball markers.[2]

Alongside [[Paintball Mania Supplies]], Air America was among the earliest companies to promote compressed air as an alternative to CO2 for competitive paintball. Contemporary reporting credited both businesses with overcoming industry resistance to the adoption of HPA systems.[3]

=== Expansion during the 1990s ===

Air America expanded its compressed-air product range throughout the 1990s, developing systems capable of operating at 3,000 and 4,500 psi.

Its products included the '''Raptor''' and '''Raptor Rex''' regulator systems, along with the '''Apocalypse''', which incorporated an adjustable regulator and integrated on/off control.[1]

The company also supported tournament players through on-site technical servicing and compressed-air equipment sponsorships. At the [[1998 NPPL Las Vegas Open]], Air America technicians provided maintenance services for players experiencing regulator problems caused by dust and other playing conditions.[4]

In 1999, Air America introduced the '''Armageddon''' compressed-air system. The product used a two-piece regulator assembly that allowed the cylinder to be detached from the main regulator body for separate filling. Armageddon systems were used by Air America-sponsored tournament teams at the 1999 Las Vegas event.[5]

=== Industry involvement ===

Air America was involved in tournament support and the development of compressed-air safety practices.

At the [[2003 International Amateur Open]], Dan Colby received a paintball industry Lifetime Achievement Award recognising his contributions to CO2 regulation, compressed-air systems and the adoption of HPA equipment.

Colby and Air America staff also presented a compressed-air safety workshop addressing filling procedures, equipment selection and accident prevention.[6]

=== Later history ===

Air America continued manufacturing regulators and compressed-air equipment during the 2000s.

The original company eventually ceased operating, although an independently verified closure date has not been established.

Dan Colby subsequently became involved in [[Guerrilla Air]], which developed compressed-air products including the Ambush, Assault and Myth regulators.

Colby later established [[Immortal Air]], which manufactures compressed-air equipment and supplies replacement components for certain original Air America regulators.[1][7][8]