A system for conditioning an airstream entering an air-breathing machine includes an air conditioning system (ACS) configured for adjusting a physical property of the airstream, wherein the ACS comprises a module. The module includes a non-media conditioning system configured for adjusting a physical property of the airstream if an ambient condition is within a range, wherein the non-media conditioning system comprises nozzles adapted for spraying a fluid onto the airstream. The module also includes a media conditioning system configured for adjusting a physical property of the airstream to provide additional output of the air-breathing machine, wherein the media conditioning system comprises a direct exchange medium and a fluid distribution manifold. The ACS operates in a direct evaporative mode if the fluid is approximately greater than a dew point temperature and operates in a direct chilling mode if the fluid is approximately less than a dew point temperature.