Safety enhancements include features and options such as hands-free pipe handling and breakout, enlarged operator and helper stands, a table safety cage and catwalks that meet or exceed industry safety standards.

Powered by the truck’s 600-horsepower engine, drilling operations of the Diamondback are PTO-driven, like the Atlas Copco T2W and Atlas Copco TH60. An optional deck engine module is available for those who prefer a separate engine for drilling operations.

The first series of Diamondback rigs is being introduced in the 40,000-pounds pullback class. Pulldown is rated at 30,000 pounds. Future additions will range from 25,000- to 100,000-pound rigs.

The first production rig hit the field this summer, with more coming out of the Atlas Copco facility in Garland, Texas, later this year.

Tom Moffitt, business development manager, Deep Hole Drills of Atlas Copco Mining, Rock Excavation and Construction, says the Diamondback rig’s modular design significantly shortens lead time due to bolt-on components, which share universal mounting locations and connection points.

“Factory slots won’t have to be limited to just a few rigs of select models with little commonality among their rig-specific parts,” he says. “Drillers just have to choose their options. One configuration doesn’t necessarily take longer than another to build for them, so wait time between order and delivery is less.”

Customers specify air and mud package, rod carousel or box, automated rod handling systems (or none), rotary head type, spindle size, 34- or 38-foot tubular tower, and carrier-mounted or tower-mounted table. Only the tower-mounted-table configuration can be used for angle drilling, however. Two tables are available, offering either a 24-inch opening or 17-inch opening.

Named for an iconic symbol of the American Revolution, the Diamondback will be available globally. In the U.S., the Diamondback is built on a 600-horsepower Peterbilt carrier.

The Diamondback features a tubular tower similar to the Atlas Copco T2W. The weight-to-strength ratio is superior to lattice towers, with an open design that leaves plenty of room at the deck to weld casing or work around pipe.

The driller’s console pivots for good visibility of any operation taking place, even with the head slid to the right side for running casing.

The Atlas Copco Diamondback also offers many other options and upgrades, with the promise of more in the future.

Atlas Copco, based in Stockholm, Sweden, serves segments ranging from compressors and air treatment systems to construction, mining and drilling equipment. The company, founded in 1873, has more than 39,800 employees worldwide, and operates in more than 170 countries. Atlas Copco in North America operates in more than 109 locations and employs more than 4,500 people in the United States. For more information, visit www.atlascopco.us.