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Atlas Copco Compressors LLC celebrated last week the grand opening of Windshear, the world’s most advanced, commercially available, $40 million rolling-road wind tunnel. Located in Concord, N.C., Windshear includes Atlas Copco compressors as a key component to the testing facility’s performance offering.

“We’re very proud of our role in bringing the Windshear project to life,” said Jim Bruce, Atlas Copco’s eastern regional vice president. “The people at Atlas Copco share the Windshear team’s passion for innovation and commitment to technological development.”

Windshear’s unique 180 mph rolling road wind tunnel provides an unparalleled testing environment designed to create real-world wind simulation in order to maximize measurability in race car performance.

Atlas Copco air compressors eliminate friction on the rolling road by generating a high pressure air cushion between the steel belt that rotates at 180 mph and the underlying machinery. This air cushion is generated by the combination of three oil free 350 HP Atlas Copco compressors; two ZT275 rotary screw compressors work in conjunction with one ZT315 VSD variable speed drive compressor to provide constant air volume within a pound of demand.

According to Windshear’s Business Manager, Peter Zierhut, “Atlas Copco’s air compressors are a critical part of the overall systems here at Windshear. Their ZT-series compressors exceed the specifications required by our rolling road for compressed air. We are extremely happy with the performance of the compressors and the responsiveness of Atlas Copco staff.”

Atlas Copco Compressors’ North American headquarters are located in Rock Hill, S.C., in close proximity to Windshear.

“Atlas Copco's global experience with leading edge air technologies and local engineering support will remain important aspects of this partnership,” said Bruce.