Airborne

Airborne, released by Capcom Coin-Op in 1996, represents one of the company's later entries into the pinball market during their brief but notable foray into pinball machine manufacturing. The machine captured the excitement of military aviation and aerial combat, a theme that resonated with arcade audiences of the mid-1990s.

The game's design featured a dynamic playfield with multiple ramps and aviation-themed targets, incorporating elements like fighter jets, aircraft carriers, and aerial combat sequences. The dot matrix display was used effectively to showcase mission objectives and animated dogfight sequences, while the audio package included authentic aircraft sound effects and military radio chatter to enhance immersion.

Airborne was part of Capcom's ambitious attempt to establish themselves in the pinball market, competing with industry giants Williams and Bally. While the machine demonstrated solid engineering and innovative features, it was produced during a challenging period for the pinball industry as video games continued to dominate the arcade market. The game has since become a sought-after collector's item, particularly among enthusiasts of 1990s pinball machines and those interested in Capcom's brief pinball manufacturing history.

The machine's release coincided with a period of increased interest in military-themed entertainment, following the success of films like 'Top Gun' and various flight combat video games. This timing helped Airborne find its audience, though exact production numbers remain relatively limited due to Capcom's short-lived pinball division.