4-Inch Drill

The 4-Inch Drill is an electromechanical ice coring drill that takes a 104 mm (4-inch) diameter core. Cores can be retrieved from depths to approximately 400 meters. Winches with 100-, 200-, and 400-meter cables are available. The drill is of a mature design and has been used successfully for several decades. It is particularly useful on projects requiring a larger diameter core than produced by the Badger-Eclipse drills. Depending on configuration, the drill can be transported by light aircraft or helicopter.

An electrothermal version of this drill, which melts an annulus around the core, can be substituted for use in ice warmer than -10° C. Both versions use core dogs to break the core off and hold it for retrieval.

The current 4-Inch Drills are repaired as needed, however, the systems are aging. In some cases, replacement parts may no longer be available. The cable winch sleds are very heavy, making the drill not optimal for transport by small aircraft. To meet continued demand for a drill of this type, IDP designed the new Foro 400 Drill. A 4-Inch Drill system will still be maintained; however, the Foro 400 Drill offers new capabilities and substantial weight savings.