Editing WDP Angel (section)

== History ==

=== Development ===

The Angel was developed by WDP, a British paintball equipment company associated with brothers [[Ged Green]] and Jon Green.

WDP had previously established commercial playing fields in the Birmingham area and developed products including the Mamba remote air system and [[Hyperball]] tournament field format.

The Angel project developed following the involvement of engineer John Rice, who joined WDP during the mid-1990s.

Rice designed an electronically controlled pneumatic firing system intended to combine high firing rates with consistent performance.[2][4]

=== Introduction in 1996 ===

The original Angel was presented publicly at the 1996 [[International Amateur Open]] in Pennsylvania, United States.

At the same event, PneuVentures introduced the original Shocker, distributed by Smart Parts.

Both markers represented an important development in electronically controlled tournament equipment.[1]

The Angel was initially associated with [[Brass Eagle]] distribution in the American market, including a version marketed as the Model 1455 Angel Semi-Auto.

WDP subsequently developed its own distribution network.[3]

The original Angel design, sometimes identified as the V6, preceded the first widely available production version.

Commercial sales of the Angel began in early 1997.[2]

=== Angel LED ===

The first widely distributed Angel became known retrospectively as the Angel LED.

The marker incorporated a rechargeable battery, an electronically controlled solenoid valve and a removable bolt assembly.

It also featured the Rotabreech system, allowing the bolt to be accessed through a rotating rear breech mechanism.

Contemporary technical reviews documented the marker's lightweight electronic trigger, vertical feeding system and high firing capability.[2]

The Angel was designed for compressed-air operation rather than CO2, reflecting its sensitivity to pressure fluctuations and liquid gas entering the pneumatic system.

Custom versions were subsequently developed by specialist manufacturers, including [[Planet Eclipse]], [[Cobra Paintball]] and [[Adrenaline Paintball]].[2][5]

=== Angel LCD ===

In 1999, WDP introduced the Angel LCD.

The revised marker incorporated a liquid crystal display and expanded electronic programming functions.

The LCD system allowed players to access information and settings through the marker's grip frame.

The Angel LCD was displayed at the 1999 Zap International Masters tournament, alongside WDP's developing Angel Air compressed-air system.[6]

=== Angel IR3 ===

In spring 2002, WDP introduced the Angel IR3.

The marker incorporated a redesigned receiver, a vertical grip frame and a smaller pneumatic solenoid assembly.

Its electronic features included an infrared communications port and the COPS (Crystal Operated Paintball Sensor) system, which monitored paintball feeding.

The infrared system was developed to allow programming and configuration using compatible personal digital assistants.[7]

The IR3 also retained the integrated rechargeable battery and LCD interface associated with earlier models.

=== Later models ===

WDP continued developing the Angel platform throughout the 2000s.

The Speed series introduced alternative electronic controls and revised pneumatic components.

The A4 and A4 Fly incorporated further changes to operating pressure, electronic systems and paintball detection.

The G7 series introduced another major redesign during 2005.

In 2006, the company introduced the Angel One, also known as the A1, incorporating a new electronic interface and redesigned internal components.

Subsequent developments included the A1 Fly and the later AR:K and SB models, introduced in 2011.[3]

=== End of production ===

During the latter part of the 2000s, WDP's marker operations became associated with the Angel Paintball Sports name.

The company continued developing the Angel platform while competing with newer electronic markers from manufacturers including [[Planet Eclipse]], [[DYE Precision]] and [[Smart Parts]].

In November 2011, representatives of Angel Paintball Sports informed dealers and customers that the business was ceasing operations.

Contemporary announcements indicated that replacement parts would remain available through existing distributors and specialist technicians.[8]

The end of Angel Paintball Sports' manufacturing operations should not be confused with the legal status of every company historically associated with WDP.

Original Angel markers continued to be supported by independent technicians and aftermarket component suppliers.