DRS Technologies Announces Installation of Innovative Permanent Magnet Motors on Sidewinder Drilling Rigs to Boost Efficiency and Cost Savings

ARLINGTON, VA, February 11, 2016 ̶ DRS Technologies Inc., a Finmeccanica Company, announced today that Sidewinder Drilling Inc., has commissioned and fielded four DRS PR Series 1,600-hp permanent-magnet (PM) motors and paired them with Weatherford EH-1600 Triplex Mud Pumps for more efficient drilling operations.

Sidewinder Drilling, a large scale contract drilling company, based in Houston, TX, chose the DRS PR Series motors because of their low speed and industry-leading high torque capability. The PM motor system is ideal for drilling applications where drilling speed and accurate torque control is required while delivering higher operating efficiencies than traditional induction-type motors.

Additionally, the PM motors allow for a direct-drive configuration designed to reduce weight and increase reliability by eliminating belts and sheaves. That reduction in weight makes transit of the pump system much more efficient during operation.

“The successful factory testing, commissioning and fielding of our motor with the Sidewinder team is a major milestone for DRS as it continues to bring industry-leading technology to the oil and gas industry. We are committed to work closely with innovative partners and customers in this industry and deliver great value as we have done with Sidewinder and Weatherford,” said Rich Armstrong, Vice President/General Manager of DRS Power Technology Inc. “Permanent magnet motor technology and the direct-drive mud pump design provides significant value to drilling contractors and their customers alike.”

DRS and Sidewinder Drilling worked closely during the pump commissioning process to perform detailed mechanical and electrical tests and integration “The Sidewinder Rig 106 started drilling with the new PM system and we are seeing positive results and are now planning for installation of the next system on Rig 107” said, Tommy Green, Director of Technical Services at Sidewinder said.

“We look forward to the benefits of the direct drive mud pumps with DRS’s permanent magnet motors to increase efficiency in our field operations he said.

About DRS Technologies

DRS Technologies is a leading technology innovator and supplier of integrated products, services and support to military forces, intelligence agencies and prime contractors worldwide. The company specializes in naval and maritime systems, ground combat mission command and network computing, global satellite communications and network infrastructure, aviation logistics and avionics systems, and intelligence and security solutions. Additionally, DRS builds power systems and electro-optical/infrared systems for a wide range of commercial customers. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, DRS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Finmeccanica SpA, which employs more than 50,000 people worldwide. See the full range of capabilities at www.drs.com and on Twitter @drstechnologies.

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