Aircore Drilling
Invented by Wallis. Used around the world. Our Aircore technology leads the industry with speed, precision, and minimal impact - all backed by WA engineering.
What is Aircore Drilling?
Wallis Drilling invented Aircore drilling in the late 1970’s – a mineral exploration method now used worldwide. Aircore uses a hollow drill bit and compressed air to deliver clean, uncontaminated samples back to the surface, making it faster, more accurate, and more economical than many traditional techniques.
Designed for exploration in challenging terrain, our compact and powerful rigs achieve rapid penetration while minimising environmental impact. Supported by experienced engineers and a fully equipped Perth-based machine shop, we offer both standard rigs and customised solutions to meet specialised requirements.
Proudly WA-made, Wallis Aircore technology continues to set the benchmark for efficiency, reliability, and innovation in drilling.
Types of Wallis Mantis

Capability
NQ Aircore – 80m depending on ground conditions
On Board Air Compressor
192cfm/175psi compressor
Features
- On board water tank
- Dual breakout system
- Stand up rod bin
- Height adjustable sample system
- Rod gate with rotation interlock
- Control panel FOPS structure
- Full 6x6 capable

Capability
Aircore to 250 meters dependant on ground conditions
On Board Air Compressor
Sullair 560cfm @ 200psi
Features
- Automatic rod handling
- Automated rod trip function
- Rod cage interlock device
- Mechanically tilting cyclone
- 3 meter drill rods
- Electric over hydraulic remote
- Acoustic enclosure for low dba
- Future capability for remote drilling functions

Capability
NQ Aircore – 150m
HQ Aircore – 80m
On Board Air Compressor
230cfm/200psi compressor
Features
- Acoustic enclosure
- Dump mast
- On board water tank
- Dual breakout system
- Stand up rod bin
- Height adjustable sample system
- Rod gate with rotation interlock
- Mounted on Morooka rubber track carrier

Capability
Aircore to 250 meters dependant on ground conditions
On Board Air Compressor
Sullair 560cfm @ 200psi
Features
- Automatic rod handling
- Automated rod trip function
- Rod cage interlock device
- Mechanically tilting cyclone
- 3-meter drill rods
- Electric over hydraulic remote
- Acoustic enclosure for low dba
- Future capability for remote drilling functions

Capability
AQ Aircore – 21m
NQ Aircore – 15m
HQ Aircore – 12m
On Board Air Compressor
120cfm/165psi compressor
Features
- ROPS/FOPS cab
- Telemast
- Rod Carousel
- Automated rod handling
- Auto rod trip
- Dual breakout system
- Fire Suppression
- On board water tank
- Rod gate with interlocks

Capability
AQ Aircore – 21m
NQ Aircore – 15m
HQ Aircore – 12m
On Board Air Compressor
120cfm/165psi compressor
Features
- Telemast
- Rod Carousel
- Auto rod trip
- Dual breakout system
- FOP structure
- Fire Suppression
- On board water tank
- Programable isolation system
- Rod gate with interlocks
- Automated rod handling, rig up/down, semi-automated drilling

Capability
AQ Aircore – 21m
NQ Aircore – 15m
HQ Aircore – 12m
On Board Air Compressor
Sullair 560cfm @ 200psi
Features
- Automatic rod handling
- Automated rod trip function
- Rod cage interlock device
- Mechanically tilting cyclone
- 3 meter drill rods, Future capability for automated drilling functions
- Electric over hydraulic remote
- Acoustic enclosure for lower dba

Capability
NQ Aircore – 250m
HQ Aircore – 150m
NQ Diamond Core – 400m
HQ Diamond Core – 200m
PQ Diamond Core – 160m
On Board Air Compressor
Sullair 560cfm @ 200psi
Features
- Angle Holes to 55degrees
- PLC Controlled Safety Lockout System
- Cross-sliding Head, Single Direction
- Rotation Guard with Safety Lock-out
- Wallis Sample System
- Wallis Hydraulic Rod Clamps (Make and Break)

Capability
NQ Aircore – 80m depending on ground conditions
On Board Air Compressor
192cfm/175psi compressor
Features
- On board water tank
- Dual breakout system
- Stand up rod bin
- Height adjustable sample system
- Rod gate with rotation interlock
- Control panel FOPS structure
- Full 6x6 capable

Capability
Aircore to 250 meters dependant on ground conditions
On Board Air Compressor
Sullair 560cfm @ 200psi
Features
- Automatic rod handling
- Automated rod trip function
- Rod cage interlock device
- Mechanically tilting cyclone
- 3 meter drill rods
- Electric over hydraulic remote
- Acoustic enclosure for low dba
- Future capability for remote drilling functions

Capability
NQ Aircore – 150m
HQ Aircore – 80m
On Board Air Compressor
230cfm/200psi compressor
Features
- Acoustic enclosure
- Dump mast
- On board water tank
- Dual breakout system
- Stand up rod bin
- Height adjustable sample system
- Rod gate with rotation interlock
- Mounted on Morooka rubber track carrier

Capability
Aircore to 250 meters dependant on ground conditions
On Board Air Compressor
Sullair 560cfm @ 200psi
Features
- Automatic rod handling
- Automated rod trip function
- Rod cage interlock device
- Mechanically tilting cyclone
- 3-meter drill rods
- Electric over hydraulic remote
- Acoustic enclosure for low dba
- Future capability for remote drilling functions

Capability
AQ Aircore – 21m
NQ Aircore – 15m
HQ Aircore – 12m
On Board Air Compressor
120cfm/165psi compressor
Features
- ROPS/FOPS cab
- Telemast
- Rod Carousel
- Automated rod handling
- Auto rod trip
- Dual breakout system
- Fire Suppression
- On board water tank
- Rod gate with interlocks

Capability
AQ Aircore – 21m
NQ Aircore – 15m
HQ Aircore – 12m
On Board Air Compressor
120cfm/165psi compressor
Features
- Telemast
- Rod Carousel
- Auto rod trip
- Dual breakout system
- FOP structure
- Fire Suppression
- On board water tank
- Programable isolation system
- Rod gate with interlocks
- Automated rod handling, rig up/down, semi-automated drilling

Capability
AQ Aircore – 21m
NQ Aircore – 15m
HQ Aircore – 12m
On Board Air Compressor
Sullair 560cfm @ 200psi
Features
- Automatic rod handling
- Automated rod trip function
- Rod cage interlock device
- Mechanically tilting cyclone
- 3 meter drill rods, Future capability for automated drilling functions
- Electric over hydraulic remote
- Acoustic enclosure for lower dba

Capability
NQ Aircore – 250m
HQ Aircore – 150m
NQ Diamond Core – 400m
HQ Diamond Core – 200m
PQ Diamond Core – 160m
On Board Air Compressor
Sullair 560cfm @ 200psi
Features
- Angle Holes to 55degrees
- PLC Controlled Safety Lockout System
- Cross-sliding Head, Single Direction
- Rotation Guard with Safety Lock-out
- Wallis Sample System
- Wallis Hydraulic Rod Clamps (Make and Break)
Benefits
Invented by Wallis. Used around the world. Our Aircore technology leads the industry with speed, precision, and minimal impact - all backed by WA engineering.
Compact Rig Capability
Fast & Reliable Sampling
Engineering & Technical Support
Low Pressure Operation
Got an upcoming project?
Contact us today to learn more about Wallis Aircore Drilling and how we can support your project.
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