Editing Air Star (section)

== Technology ==

=== Articulated Barrel System ===

The defining feature of Air Star's markers was the '''Articulated Barrel System''' (ABS).

Unlike conventional semi-automatic markers, which use a moving bolt to chamber a paintball, the Nova used a sliding barrel housed within an external shroud.

Pneumatic pressure moved the barrel backwards around the paintball, sealing the breech before firing. After the paintball was discharged and pressure fell, a spring moved the barrel forward, opening the breech for the next paintball.[1]

This arrangement eliminated the need for a conventional bolt, hammer and mechanical recocking mechanism.

=== Pneumatic valve system ===

The Nova used a spool valve and pneumatic pilot valve to control firing.

The system operated at approximately 95 psi, substantially below the operating pressures of many contemporary markers.

Its low-pressure design allowed the Nova to operate effectively with CO₂, while also supporting compressed-air systems.[1]

The timing of the firing cycle was controlled pneumatically rather than through mechanical linkages or electronic programming.

=== Dicer expansion chamber ===

The Super Nova incorporated an expansion chamber containing aluminium alloy pellets, marketed as '''Dicer technology'''.

The pellets increased the surface area available for heat transfer as gas moved through the chamber.

The system was intended to stabilise the temperature and pressure of expanding CO₂ before it entered the firing mechanism.[7]

=== Electronic Trigger ===

The Super Nova ET used a compact Clippard solenoid valve to activate the marker's pneumatic trigger mechanism.

Rather than directly controlling the main firing valve, the solenoid actuated a small pneumatic ram that operated the existing pilot valve.

This arrangement allowed the marker to retain its pneumatic firing cycle while offering a shorter electronic trigger pull.[7]