The Highlands Army Air Defense Site ( HAADS ) was a United States Army air defence site in Middletown Township, New Jersey .
76-667: The Army Air Defense Command Post (AADCP) at Highlands directed the Nike fire units in the New York Defense Area , replacing the Nike missile "manual operations center" at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island. The Missile Master Army Installation was built in the former Highlands Air Force Station and cost ~$ 2 million for the new equipment ( Martin AN/FSG-1 and AN/FPS-6 & AN/FPS-90 height-finders) and ~$ 2 million for additional structures such as
152-404: A 250,000 round (65 kg) package of tournament grade BBs. Biodegradable BBs are a fraction more expensive than non-bio counterparts, but many fields require them. BBs are typically 5.95mm ±0.01 mm in diameter. Due to the low muzzle energy (less than 1.5 J or 1.1 ft⋅lb even for high-power models) and poor sectional density , the pain an airsoft pellet causes on skin impact
228-492: A better grip on the airsoft gun, and flashlights (whether mounted or held in another hand) are used to illuminate dark areas and/or to blind opponents. Even though in certain countries lasers are illegal, they are popular attachments in the U.S. and Europe. Laser sights are more for their appearance than any practical effect, largely because they must be weak enough not to carry a risk of damaging another player's eyesight, which rules out using any laser powerful enough to produce
304-512: A common location for Hop-Up adjustment is where the ejection port would be on a real firearm, which allows the machine to be covered while still allowing quick access to adjust the Hop-Up. Some players customize their airsoft guns, either to improve performance or for purely aesthetic reasons. Additions include scopes, fore-grips, and flashlights, red dot sights being the most commonly used. Red dot sights are used to help aim, fore-grips are used to get
380-489: A few are intact and preserve the history of the Nike project. General Belgian Nike info: The Nike missile system was operational in the Belgian airforce from 1959 until 1990. It was organized into a Missile Group (the overall staffing); a Support Wing (tech and log support), and 2 (9th and 13th) Missile Wings, each with 4 subordinate units. All Belgian Nike sites were in the 2 ATAF part of then West- Germany . Their defending area
456-453: A letter, L = launch site, C = IFC (Integrated Fire Control) site. The Formerly Used Defense Sites (FDS) program processed many former sites and then transferred them out of Defense Department control. The Alaska Nike sites were under the control of United States Army Alaska (USARAK), rather than Army Air Defense Command. Air Defense Command / NORAD radar sites at Fire Island AFS (F-1) and King Salmon AFS (F-3) AK were integrated into
532-427: A longer barrel will not always result in better accuracy. The "sweet spot" for barrel length in a spring/electric powered airsoft gun is around 450 mm (18 in), beyond which added barrel length will not improve accuracy. In any case, barrel quality, velocity consistency, and hopup quality/design are more important factors with regard to accuracy. Added barrel length will result in slightly increased velocity if
608-418: A mechanism for shooting projectiles 6 mm or 8 mm in diameter. Airsoft guns are classified according to their operating principle, which can be spring-loaded, electric (battery-powered Automatic Electric Guns, Airsoft Electric Guns or "AEGs"), or gas-powered (if these have a blowback feature they are known as "GBBs"). Some companies produce full replicas of counterpart grenade launchers which fire
684-608: A park in 1973 with the acquisition of 161 acres of the site property. Ten years later the GSA turned 63 acres of the operations area was turned over to the Monmouth County Park System . On July 3, 1984, the Monmouth County Park System signed for the deed to the remaining land. The Highlands Missile Master building was demolished in 1995. New York Defense Area Download coordinates as: The following
760-660: A popular brand of HPA engines and accessories. A typical airsoft gun is noticeably lighter than its "real steel" counterpart due to the use of aluminum alloy and plastic materials, though some have added weights in them for a more realistic feel. Japan has specific rules about producing airsoft guns with metal parts, while newer guns, especially those made in Taiwan and Mainland China , have both internal and external parts that are metallic. Smoke caps, as well as noise amplifiers, are available for certain airsoft guns to add realism. Gas handgun magazines usually contain 10 to 30 pellets in
836-550: A projectile spray of 6 millimetres (0.24 in) pellets by use of a high-powered spring mechanism or a compressed gas propellant (i.e. green gas, propane, compressed air, or CO 2 ). There is also a type of airsoft gun that is powered by a single (HPA) high-pressure air tank and a battery pack to power the internal FCU "Fire Control Unit" computer board. These guns are often known for their high and adjustable RPS or "Rounds Per Second" and durability. These HPA replicas are most often referred to as "PolarStars", although this refers to
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#1732852103737912-420: A ratchet wheel that can be wound up periodically to force pellets up from the holding chamber of the magazine to the feeding chute. Due to loose pellets in the reservoir, they often make a rattling noise when running or walking. Some airsoft guns have a battery-powered box or drum magazine that holds thousands of pellets, but these are usually only used and allowed on LMGs (light machine gun) type replicas. It
988-464: A standard-capacity magazine; however, some are high-capacity magazines and can hold 50 rounds or more. In the case of AEG rifles, magazines come in either real-capacity (equivalent to the 30-round capacity of its real steel counterpart), low-capacity (10-50 rounds), mid-capacity (75-160 rounds), or high-capacity (190+ rounds). These magazines have spring followers like in BB guns . The high-cap magazines often have
1064-571: A visible dot on the target in sunlight (although lasers can be useful for night games). Also available are "mock suppressors/silencers ". These resemble the actual firearm accessory that dampens sound. Since Airsoft does not use combustibles for propulsion these usually serve no function. Although there are models that function to "light up" a glow-in-the-dark BB using UV light similar to a tracer round . Most airsoft guns fire round plastic pellets, usually white, but Tracers are common as well. The pellets mostly range from 0.12 to 0.48 g. However,
1140-704: Is a list of Nike missile sites operated by the United States Army . This article lists sites in the United States, most responsible to Army Air Defense Command ; however, the Army also deployed Nike missiles to Europe as part of the NATO alliance, with sites being operated by both American and European military forces. U.S. Army Nike sites were also operational in South Korea, Japan and were sold to Taiwan . Leftover traces of
1216-567: Is a missile launch site operated by the US-Army until April 1985. It was part of the Nike-Belt , a defense system which was created to defend Europe against the then newly invented jets. The site fired Nike missiles at potentially incoming jets as part of the Project Nike . The Italian Nike units were initially combined Nike Ajax and Hercules equipped but switched completely over to Nike Hercules in
1292-503: Is about the same as getting pinched. As a reference value, a standard 0.20 gram 6 mm pellet, which is the most common size and weight, traveling at 100 m/s (330 ft/s ) has 1 J (0.74 ft⋅lb) of kinetic energy . Calculating the Joules and energy generated by airsoft guns is important because of phenomena like "joule creep" where the FPS remains the same while the energy of
1368-402: Is all around 100 m (110 yd) with a highly upgraded sniper rifle replica. Most airsoft guns used for field play will have an effective range of around 43–67 m (47–73 yd), depending on the intended gameplay role. Most Airsoft guns are capable of shooting from 60 to 125 m/s (200 to 410 ft/s), although it is also possible to purchase upgraded internals that will enable
1444-576: Is capable of discharging two or more missiles successively without repeated pressure on the trigger" is limited, by law, at 1.3 joules (velocity up to 114 m/s or 374 ft/s). Northern Ireland has a maximum velocity of 100 m/s (330 ft/s) with 0.20 g pellets, without regard to the type of equipment. In Sweden, the legal limitations of airsoft guns caps the energy limit at 10 joules for manual guns, and 3 joules for semi- and fully automatic guns. The ballistics of spring- or electrically powered airsoft guns differ from real firearms in that
1520-423: Is common for owners to "tech" (modify) their guns. The majority of gearboxes are made to Tokyo Marui specifications and have aftermarket upgrade parts available commercially. Some gearboxes are proprietary in design. It is also possible to perform DIY modifications. The "hop-up" system, which is installed in most stock airsoft rifles and pistols, is used to increase effective ranges by putting backspin on
1596-472: Is done to prevent any potential injuries from high-energy pellets shot at short ranges. In certain countries use of laser sights of any kind is illegal, including gun scopes with integrated lasers. Airsoft originated from Japan in the early 1970s, when photographer Ichiro Nagata, an avid shooting enthusiast himself, thought about making model guns that shoot real projectiles that could not kill. These "guns" were trademarked as soft air guns , tailoring to
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#17328521037371672-416: Is generally agreed upon that a high-quality 6.01-6.02 mm barrel will provide the highest muzzle velocity, while a good-quality 6.03 mm or 6.05 mm barrel will provide the best compromise between power, accuracy and ease of maintenance. The actual accuracy difference between tightbore sizes is debatable and usually outweighed by bore consistency. Although, with the newfound popularity with HPA guns,
1748-552: Is illegal under the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 . A defence is allowed for selling for specific purposes including airsoft skirmishing. The minimum age for buying any imitation firearm in the UK is 18. It is an offense to possess an imitation firearm in a public place without a reasonable excuse, for example traveling to, or from, or being at an airsoft skirmish site. Most UK airsoft sites and retailers participate in
1824-437: Is played in indoor courses or outdoor fields. Combat situations on the field may involve the use of genuine military tactics to achieve objectives set in each game. Participants may attempt to emulate the tactical equipment and accessories used by modern military and police organizations. A game is normally kept safe by trained professionals acting as supervisors and marshals. Before gameplay, an airsoft gun's muzzle velocity
1900-419: Is sorted by state. The "Missile type" code indicates the numbers and types of missiles and other installation details. For example, "2AK/18L-H" means the site contained two Nike Ajax magazines (A), located above ground (K), with eight launchers (8L) being converted to Nike Hercules (H). Many listings will have "FDS" following either the control site or launch site heading, which means that the site has gone through
1976-464: Is usually checked through a chronograph and usually measured in feet per second (FPS) or joules , a measurement for kinetic energy . Some countries have a set velocity or muzzle energy restriction; guns shooting over the legal muzzle velocity can be confiscated. Some playing fields further restrict minimum engagement distances, requiring players to yell "Bang Bang!" or another phrase instead of actually shooting other players at close distances. This
2052-572: The Fairbanks area, which included Fort Wainwright and Eielson AFB . Manned by the 2nd Missile Battalion, 562d Air Defense Artillery . The sites around Fairbanks were inactivated in 1970 and 1971. The USAF radar site at Murphy Dome AFS , AK (F-2) was shared with the Army for Nike missile-defense system. The CPS-6B radar was removed in July 1958, FPS-8 removed 4Q 1960 until the Nike sites were inactivated in 1971. Army Air-Defense Command Post (AADCP) LA-45DC
2128-608: The Rygge and Gardermoen airbases and the naval base Karljohansvern . Construction of the Nike batteries started in 1959; becoming limited operational in 1960 and fully operational in 1961. Initially operating both Nike Ajax and Hercules but later on only Nike Hercules, the Norwegian Nikes were only conventional armed with the T-45 High Explosive warhead. YouTube footage http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWYAtR-XgTI This list
2204-520: The eye . Masks , face shields and other types of full-face coverings such as balaclavas are recommended at most airsoft fields. Rules such as a maximum muzzle velocity and engagement distance guidelines are used by different groups. Some organizations have created common safety rules and guidelines. Most minimum engagement distances are 10 feet. When not actively playing, some fields require "barrel bags", also known as barrel socks, barrel condoms, barrel blockers, or barrel sleeves, to be placed over
2280-478: The plastic balls used in these "soft air guns" can be shot at humans without causing injury due to the low muzzle energy . After Tokyo Marui introduced its revolutionary electric motor - gear box design, which allows sustainable rapid-fire using rechargeable batteries , soft air guns became popular for casual wargames , which the Japanese call survival games ( サバイバルゲーム , sabaibaru gēmu ) . Asahi Firearms
2356-488: The "Formerly-Used Defense Site" program and has been transferred from DoD control to another party. With the exception of Alaska, in which sites were given a specific name, Nike missile sites were designated by a coding system of the Defense Area Name abbreviation; a two-digit number representing the degree from north converted to a number between 01 and 99 (North being 01; East being 25; South being 50; West being 75), and
Highlands Army Air Defense Site - Misplaced Pages Continue
2432-447: The 170 ft × 90 ft (52 m × 27 m) nuclear bunker, four radar towers, diesel power plant, and 25 ft × 17 ft (7.6 m × 5.2 m) cinderblock electrical switch building. Isaac Degeneers Construction Co. was the general contractor for the $ 1.71M construction (C. W. Regan was the lowest bidder at $ 1.5M). The 1957 site plan was for 45–50 acres (18–20 ha); construction began July 10, 1958;
2508-621: The Army Nike operations. Radars used at Fire Island were CPS-6B, FPS-8, CPS-4, FPS-20A, FPS-6B. Nike missile operations continued there until 1979 when the site was closed. Afterwards, the Army Air Defense Command Post was moved to King Salmon. Radars were FPS-93A and in 1982 the FPS-117 was installed. King Salmon Long Range Radar Site is still in use. Fairbanks Defense Area : Sites were installed to replace Anti-Aircraft guns defending
2584-681: The Missile Master was accepted in May 1960; and the dedication was on June 5. The Army assumed control of the Highlands Air Force Station after the DoD had announced its closure for July 1966. The 646th Radar Squadron was inactivated on July 1, 1966. The first Hughes AN/TSQ-51 Air Defense Command and Coordination System in the nation as activated at the HAADS. The AADCP became the direction center for
2660-499: The UK. These are RIFs which have been painted a bright color (excluding white/silver/gold) over at least 51% of the item. No specific defence is required for selling an IF, although the minimum age for purchasing remains 18. In Canada, there are laws pertaining to airsoft importing. All airsoft guns that are bought in Canada are legal, but when importing it, the gun has to have between 366FPS and 500FPS to pass inspection at customs, otherwise
2736-543: The USAF Strategic Air Command , later Military Airlift Command base. The 436th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion was active by 1955. The 436th AAAB was redesignated as an antiaircraft artillery missile battalion on 5 January 1957 and subsequently occupied four Nike Ajax sites, which went to 1st Missile Battalion, 61st Artillery on 1 September 1958. Controlling the SAMs was the 29th Artillery Group (Air Defense). During
2812-568: The United Kingdom Airsoft Retailer Association (UKARA) registration scheme. A player who has participated in at least 3 skirmishes over a period of at least 56 days at the same skirmish site can be registered by that site. Retailers have access to the database to verify that the purchaser can provide them with a defence. The Boarder Agency also has access to check legality of imports. As an alternative to RIFs, IFs (Imitation Firearms, including 'two tones') are available in
2888-435: The United States, but restrictions do exist in cities like Chicago and Detroit. The states of New Mexico, New York and New Jersey, however, do not allow airsoft guns to be used or handled publicly because of the resemblance to real firearms. They may be used on private property with the consent of the owner. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection FAQ page states that Airsoft guns are considered look-alike firearms which require
2964-780: The airsoft BB leaving the airsoft gun barrel increases. Different regions vary in the velocity airsoft guns are allowed to shoot at. In the United States, velocity differs from the type of gameplay field. Close Quarter Battle arenas typically regulate velocity on airsoft guns at around 110 m/s (350 ft/s). For outdoor fields, velocity is usually regulated by the type of gun. With a standard 0.20 grams (3.1 gr) pellet, fully automatic Airsoft Electric Guns (AEGs) are often set at less than 120 m/s (400 ft/s), semi-automatic DMR -style AEGs at 120–140 m/s (400–450 ft/s), and bolt-action (manually cocked spring-piston) sniper rifles at 140–150 m/s (450–500 ft/s). The maximum effective range of field-legal airsoft guns
3040-682: The approximately 265 Nike missile bases can still be seen around cities across the United States. As the sites were decommissioned, they were first offered to federal agencies. Many were already on Army National Guard bases who continued to use the property. Others were offered to state and local governments, while others were sold to school districts. The leftovers were offered to private individuals. Many Nike sites are now municipal yards, communications, and FAA facilities, probation camps, and even renovated for use as airsoft gaming and military simulation training complexes. Several were obliterated and turned into parks. Some are now private residences. Only
3116-699: The combined New York- Philadelphia Defense Area when the AADCP near Philadelphia was closed in September 1966. AADCP operations ended in 1974 under Project Concise in conjunction with the region's 9 remaining Nike fire units closing in April at Orangeburg /Mount Nebo, New York (NY-03/04), Amityville/ Farmingdale, New York (NY-24), Fort Tilden (NY-49), Livingston, New Jersey (NY-79/80), Lumberton, New Jersey (PH-23/25), Erial, New Jersey (PH-41/43), and Woolwich Township, New Jersey (PH-58). The Highlands Army Air Defense Site
Highlands Army Air Defense Site - Misplaced Pages Continue
3192-416: The cylinder size and compression are appropriate for the barrel length. For example, a gun with a large cylinder and a long barrel will shoot slightly harder than a gun with a small cylinder and a short barrel ( ceteris paribus ). This rule will apply even for barrels longer than 500 mm (20 in), if there is enough cylinder volume and air compression to propel the pellet through the barrel. However,
3268-529: The debate has been opened that barrels with a larger diameter (up to 6.13 mm or 0.241 in) could provide a more accurate shot. Due to the higher volume of air surrounding the pellet it negates the chance of the pellet coming into contact with the barrel, throwing the pellet's trajectory off, similar to a musket, in how the bullet slams about before leaving the barrel. Airsoft guns are not to be confused with BB guns , which are airguns that shoot 4.5 mm (.177 in) metallic spherical pellets , unlike
3344-408: The edge it needed to enter into military and law enforcement training grounds. The airsoft guns used for training differ from civilian models. Guns manufactured for professional training are made to replicate the weight, feel and the sound of its real steel counterpart. In general, professional training airsoft guns are GBB models and enhanced with a weighted blowback mechanism to increase the force of
3420-509: The fragmentation of a real grenade in war games and scenarios. The grenade can be loaded with paint or pellets. It uses a quick release of highly pressurized gas to break the shell and quickly disperse pellets or paint in all directions. Frank's grenade, although not the first, aimed to be as realistic and predictable as an actual grenade. He developed a more accurate timing mechanism and secondary safety mechanisms to prevent accidental discharge. Both marking rounds and reusable grenades gave airsoft
3496-486: The gun to shoot up to 170 m/s (550 ft/s) or higher. In California , a common limit for CQB is 110 m/s (350 ft/s). In Ireland, Italy and Japan the muzzle energy limit for airsoft guns is 1 joule no matter what the type of gameplay. In the UK , the law allows weapons locked to semi-automatic and bolt-action rifles to fire up to 2.5 joules (at muzzle velocity up to 158 m/s or 518 ft/s). Any weapon "which
3572-578: The gun will be shipped back or destroyed. Airsoft guns in the United States are sold with a federally mandated orange tip which must be 1/4 inch or longer covering the muzzle of the replica. Manufacturers and importers may cite Title 15 of the Code of Federal Regulations , which stipulates that "no person shall manufacture, enter into commerce, ship, transport, or receive any toy, look-alike, or imitation firearm" without approved markings; these may include an orange tip, orange barrel plug, brightly colored exterior of
3648-600: The international political situation in the world. The logistics train was airlifting by US CH-47's within 6 hrs after receipt of a coded message. This event actually took place in October 1962 during the Cuban missile crisis when NATO came on full alert. On Okinawa, the 30th ADA Brigade was on Okinawa. On Reversion Day, May 15, 1972, all Nike Hercules missile sites were handed over to the JASDF. Battery B,8th Battalion,3rd Air Defense Brigade
3724-601: The kick. Some are AEGs and are built with a blowback mechanism. They are also outfitted with muzzle protectors that amplify the sound to a decibel level comparable to that of a real firearm. The average FPS for professional training airsoft guns is higher than civilian models. Economically, airsoft is cheaper than simulation training. Benjamin Kratz, Fort Jackson's battalion executive officer, said that one blank M16 round can cost as much as 32 airsoft rounds. Airsoft can also be used in military simulations such as in malls or prisons to add to
3800-772: The late 1960s and early 1970s, the Travis battalion assumed responsibility for the remaining active batteries guarding the entire San Francisco region. Inactivated by 1974. Airsoft Airsoft , also known as survival game ( Japanese : サバイバルゲーム , romanized : sabaibaru gēmu ) in Japan where it was popular, is a team-based shooting game in which participants eliminate opposing players out of play by shooting them with spherical plastic projectiles shot from airsoft guns . Although similar to paintball in concept and gameplay , airsoft pellets do not leave visible markings on their target and hits are not always apparent. Though
3876-508: The mid-1970s. Each site with a US Custodial Team had an on-site load of 10 nuclear warheads ready to be launched at very short notice. The sites were using mixed warheads; meaning always 2 sections nuclear-capable ( W31 selectable 20 or 2 kiloton yield) and 1 section only conventional (T-45 High Explosive) armed. Another 60 spare W31's had been kept in permanent storage at grid 45°28'46"N 11°35'57"E Longare . These were supposed to be airlifted to certain Nike sites in case of deterioration of
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#17328521037373952-561: The mid-1980s, airsoft has been adapted with a purely recreational application in mind, and the sport is enjoyed by all ages. Airsoft replicas are produced globally, with the majority being manufactured in East Asia . Many law enforcement agencies and military units within the United States now start using airsoft for force-on-force tactical training drills. The guns used in airsoft are typically classified as imitation firearms. They have
4028-531: The most popular weights for AEGs (automatic electric guns) and GBB* (Gas Blow-Back guns) are 0.20 g to 0.32 g (whose muzzle velocity ranges from approximately 250 ft/s (76 m/s) to 400 ft/s (120 m/s)). While heavier rounds (0.36–0.40 g) are typically used in long-range and sniper applications since they are more stable in flight and less easily deflected by wind. The pellets which are called BBs are usually bought in bags or bottles of 2,000 to 5,000, but other sizes are available, such as
4104-621: The muzzle of the gun. The magazine is usually removed as well, and the gun fired to clear the chamber. Most fields also require players to leave their guns set to the safety position when they are not shooting, a practice common when using real firearms. In certain countries, such as the Philippines , additional special rules have been adopted. Airsoft is legal in most parts of the world. Some countries have specific restrictions, such as maximum muzzle velocity and "unrealistic" coloring to distinguish them from actual firearms. They are legal throughout
4180-441: The needs of shooting enthusiasts while conforming to Japan's strict weapons control laws . The name "soft air" referred to the compressed Freon - silicone oil mixture (later replaced by a propane -silicone oil mixture known as "Green Gas") that was used as a propellant gas, which was significantly weaker than the canistered CO 2 used in proper airguns ( pellet guns and BB guns ). Originally designed for target shooting ,
4256-652: The orange tip as it is used to help distinguish them from a real firearm. The orange tip serves many purposes, one of them being for law enforcement to help discern airsoft guns from real firearms and thus prevent unnecessary excessive forces . The minimum safe level of gear required to participate in most games includes a pair of ANSI Z87.1 eye protection , preferably a fully sealed APEL -rated ballistic eyewear . Traditional prescription glasses and sunglasses , or goggles not rated sufficiently for impact -resistance, may shatter and/or be perforated upon being struck when used for airsoft or paintball , causing injury to
4332-418: The pellet and the barrel for the air to escape through. Most stock airsoft guns have 6.03–6.05 mm (0.237–0.238 in) bore barrels, but best performance is usually seen with "tightbore" barrels, which are 6.01–6.05 mm (0.237–0.238 in) in diameter. However, the tighter the bore, the more likely the chance of a pellet jam, and subsequently, tightbores need to be cleaned and lubricated regularly. It
4408-1372: The pellet impacts can leave small bruises or welts on exposed skin (and so protective gear is still recommended), the game relies heavily on an honor system in which players who have been hit are expected to call themselves out of play in keeping with honesty and sportsmanship . The airsoft guns used are mostly magazine -fed, with some having manual/ battery motor -powered spring - piston pump power plants similar to Nerf Blasters , or pneumatically powered by replaceable compressed gas (e.g. propane ("green gas"), 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane or CO 2 ) canisters . Many airsoft guns also have mounting platforms compatible with genuine firearm accessories, and most cosmetically resemble real firearms. This makes them popular for military simulation and historical reenactments . There are also professional gun safety and weapon manipulation training conducted with airsoft in some fields, such as law enforcement training, due to better safety and lower cost. The United States Coast Guard , for instance, officially adopted airsoft for training in 2018. Airsoft gameplay varies in style and composition, but often ranges from action shooting to short organized live action role-playing (LARP) scenarios, close quarters battle skirmishes, military simulations ( MilSim ) or historical reenactments . It
4484-465: The pellets fly as far as possible in a straight line without curving upward too far or dropping too quickly. Hop-Up does decrease the muzzle velocity (a gun firing 340 ft/s (100 m/s) with the hop fully unwound can drop to as low as 300 ft/s (91 m/s)). Ease and location of adjustment vary by gun design; some equipment provides a control that can be adjusted quickly during gameplay, while others may require partial disassembly. For example,
4560-423: The pellets. The Magnus effect causes the pellets to experience more lift as they are shot, counteracting against gravity. A small rubber nub protrudes into the top of the barrel through a small hole, and it catches the top of the pellet as it moves past. Adjusting the hop-up makes the nub more or less protrude into the barrel, so that backspin is increased or reduced. Ideally, the hop-up should be adjusted so that
4636-494: The plastic pellets shot by airsoft guns. Many manufacturers and retailers suggest treating an airsoft gun like a real gun at all times. This will help alleviate safety issues resulting in an accidental / negligent discharge , or prevent a public panic due to a carelessly displayed airsoft gun being mistaken for a real firearm. Most manufacturers include an orange tip on the muzzle of the airsoft gun for signaling and safety purposes, and most retailers urge consumers not to remove
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#17328521037374712-583: The projectile with a kinetic energy exceeding 1 joule. However, carrying an imitation firearm in public is prohibited, and a gun carry case is required, as for real firearms. Airsoft shops are spread over the country, and buyers must be aged 18 or over to purchase an airsoft gun. There is no age limit on Airsoft, as long as a minor has an adult's permission. In the United Kingdom, most Airsoft guns are classified as realistic imitation firearms or RIFs. The sale, manufacture, or importation (but not gifting) of these
4788-578: The remaining missile batteries. When the Army abandoned the launch area of SF-88 at Fort Barry in 1974, the National Park Service assumed custody of the site, incorporating it into the Golden Gate National Recreation Area . Through the efforts of various volunteer groups, as of 1995, this is the only Nike site in the country that has been preserved and is open for public viewing. Army Air-Defense Command Post (AADCP) SF-90DC
4864-448: The resulting velocity increase will be hardly noticeable. The only considerable advantage of using a longer inner barrel in an AEG or spring-powered gun is that it generally will make the gun quieter due to the weakened muzzle pop . In gas-powered guns, added barrel length (to an appropriate extent) can result in increased velocity and accuracy to a degree. Tighter-bore barrels will increase velocity because there will be less space between
4940-826: The same category as BB-guns, pellet, air, and paintball, none of which are conventionally sold or used with an orange tip, and many of which bear as much resemblance to real firearms as airsoft guns do. Airsoft technology is used in military training and law enforcement training . Due to airsoft's realism, relatively safe projectiles, and economical ammunition, it is well-suited to war games and force-on-force scenarios to train and improve troop's tactical proficiency via associative learning and stress inoculation . Multiple airsoft inventions were developed originally for military and law enforcement use. Marking rounds were invented by Kerry T. Bowden to allow trainees to see where each projectile landed. Much like paintball and simunitions , these marking pellets would break upon impact, marking
5016-571: The special blaze orange marking. In Ireland, Airsoft guns are classified as Realistic Imitation Firearms but not restricted as much as in the United Kingdom. Under the Criminal Justice Act of 2006, Airsoft guns are legal in the Republic. One can buy, sell and import Airsoft guns without notifying relevant law enforcement authorities. They do not need to be painted in fluorescent colors, they do not need to have an orange tip, but they cannot launch
5092-439: The target with luminescent liquid. Unlike traditional plastic pellets, marking rounds are heavier to ensure breakage of the shell on impact. The weight can be adjusted by adding heavier liquid. Marking rounds are critical for trainees because they allow the shooter to see exactly where they hit the target. This allows them to extrapolate their mistakes and improve their aim. Reusable grenades were improved by Scott Frank to emulate
5168-438: The whole toy, or transparent construction (part 272.2, formerly part 1150.2). However, section 272.1 (formerly 1150.1) clearly indicates that these restrictions shall not apply to "traditional B-B, paint-ball, or pellet-firing air guns that expel a projectile through the force of compressed air, compressed gas or mechanical spring action, or any combination thereof." This exempts airsoft guns from these requirements, placing them in
5244-508: Was a model company from Japan who operated in the 1980s and 90s and was one of the early pioneers of the airsoft hobby. Airsoft guns spread to the United Kingdom in the late 1980s and early 1990s via a company called LS. They were sold in separate pieces and had to be assembled out of box before they were capable of shooting. These then became available to the rest of Europe and North America and rapidly gained popularity worldwide. Since
5320-1348: Was at the Vestvolden , a fortification at grid 55°41'23"N 12°26'11"E connected with the Karup Air Force Headquarters 94th ADA Group, headquartered in Kaiserslautern for most of the Nike-Hercules period had four battalions as follows, with locations: 2/1 ADA headquartered at Wiesbaden Air Base - A Battery: Wackernheim - B Battery: Dexheim - C Battery: Quirnheim - D Battery: Dichtelbach 5/6 ADA headquartered in Neubruecke - A Battery: Schoenborn - B Battery: Wueschheim - C Battery: Baumholder - D Battery: Hontheim 2/56 ADA headquartered in Pirmasens - A Battery: Geinsheim - B Battery: Landau - C Battery: Salzwoog - D Battery: Oberauerbach 3/71 ADA headquartered in Ludwigsburg - A Battery: Dallau - B Battery: Grosssachsenheim - C Battery: Hardheim - D Battery: Pforzheim - In Pforzheim (Hagenschieß/Wurmberg), in Baden-Württemberg there
5396-586: Was decommissioned on October 31, 1974. The U.S. Department of Agriculture had made plans to put an animal quarantine station on the site in the early 1970s when the Highlands Army Air Defense Site was declared excess by the General Services Administration . The Monmouth County board of Freeholders was opposed to the plan. Representative James J. Howard (D-NJ) was instrumental in getting the Highlands Army Air Defense Site turned into
5472-558: Was established at Mill Valley AFS , CA in 1960 for Nike missile command-and-control functions. The site was equipped with the AN/GSG-5(V) BIRDIE solid-state computer system. SF-90DC was integrated with the USAF Air Defense Command / NORAD Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) air defense radar network as Site P-38 / Z-38 The AADCP was inactivated in mid-1971. Travis AFB Defense Area (T) : Established to defend
5548-485: Was established at San Pedro Hill AFS , CA in 1960 for Nike missile command-and-control functions. The site was initially an AN/FSG-l Missile-Master Radar Direction Center. It was later equipped with the AN/TSQ-51 "Missile Mentor" solid-state computer system. LA-45DC was integrated with the USAF Air Defense Command / NORAD Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) air defense radar network as Site RP-39 / Z-39 The AADCP
5624-424: Was inactivated 1 Sep 1974 along with the remaining Nike Hercules sites. San Francisco Defense Area (SF) : San Francisco was defended by 12 Nike sites: SF-08, SF-09, SF-25, SF-31, SF-37, SF-51, SF-59, SF-87, SF-88, SF-89, SF-91 and SF-93. Its defenders included both Regular Army and National Guard units. Sites SF-87 and SF-93 were deactivated in 1971. Three years later, the U.S. Army Air Defense Command deactivated
5700-502: Was located on the Chinen peninsula in southern part of the island. The U.S. reverted the islands to Japan on May 15, 1972, setting back a Ryūkyū independence movement that had emerged. A Battery was located on Isikawa Dake, the narrow waist of the island. There was also a battery at Naha. These were covering the Norwegian capital, the former Kolsås HQ Allied Forces Northern Europe (AFNORTH),
5776-506: Was the industrial Ruhr area. As Greenland is Danish and that country refused to host foreign military and nuclear weapons, a bilateral agreement was signed allowing access for all US forces and weaponry in Greenland. This way all Thule batteries could yet be nuclear armed. Hq Nike Group and staffing was located at the Avedøre camp , at grid 55°37'59"N 12°26'55"E. Nike Group Operations Control
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