Editing Air Power (section)

== History ==

=== Origins ===

Air Power originated from Combat Zone, a paintball field in Virginia Beach operated by Nick Lotuaco.

Lotuaco and machinist Greg Koteski began producing aftermarket components for Nelson-based pump-action paintball markers. Their work eventually led to the development of a complete marker, the Apex.

According to the Air Power Owners Group, Lotuaco established Air Power during the winter of 1987. Initial production used a single milling machine and lathe.[1]

The company developed a reputation for precision-machined equipment and high-quality pump-action markers.

=== Apex and Apex Elite ===

The [[Air Power Apex|Apex]] was introduced during the late 1980s and was listed by the historical equipment database [[VintageRex]] as a 1988 model.

It was a .68-calibre pump-action marker based on the Nelson valve system. The Apex featured direct feeding, constant-air operation and a fixed barrel.[3]

An important feature was its Venturi bolt, developed by Greg Koteski. Rather than delivering the firing gas through a single central opening, the bolt distributed the gas through multiple ports.

The design was intended to reduce paintball breakage when using the comparatively fragile paintballs available during the late 1980s.[1]

Air Power subsequently introduced the [[Air Power Apex Elite|Apex Elite]], which VintageRex dates to 1989.

The principal difference was the Elite's adjustable velocity mechanism. Whereas the original Apex required spring changes to alter its velocity, the Apex Elite incorporated an adjustment screw accessible through the air-source adaptor after removal of the tank.[4]

Air Power adopted computer numerical control (CNC) manufacturing during late 1992.[1]

=== Development of the Vector ===

Air Power introduced its first semi-automatic marker, the [[Air Power Vector|Vector]], in February 1993.

The Vector was a pneumatically operated, open-bolt marker that combined a Nelson-style firing valve with an automatic cycling mechanism controlled by a four-way pneumatic valve.

It featured a removable barrel, regulated pneumatic cycling system and a mechanism intended to reduce paintball breakage during feeding.[1]

Unlike the company's earlier pump markers, the Vector was a mechanically complex design.

The first production version, subsequently identified as the Model A, experienced problems with gas efficiency, inconsistent velocity and valve component durability.

These problems affected the marker's early reputation.[1][5]

Air Power introduced the revised Model B during 1994. The redesign improved gas efficiency and velocity consistency and replaced the original valve tube with a stronger stainless-steel valve shaft.

Later Model B markers were available in Backbottle and Thruster configurations, the latter allowing velocity adjustment through an external regulator.

The Model C followed during late 1994 and early 1995, introducing a bottom-line grip configuration.[1]

Despite the improvements, the Vector did not achieve widespread commercial success.

Its original retail price was approximately US$600, and the manufacturer faced difficulty overcoming the reputation established by the earliest models.

An Air Power Owners Group history estimated total production at approximately 1,200 to 1,300 Vectors.

Production ended in 1995.[1]

=== Withdrawal from paintball ===

According to the Air Power Owners Group's historical account, the company subsequently moved away from paintball equipment manufacturing.

By the late 1990s, it had ceased providing warranty repairs for its paintball markers.

The 2000 account described the business as having moved into general contracting work for the United States military.[1]

The precise corporate history of the business after its withdrawal from paintball manufacturing has not been independently established.