Rotary - percussion drilling method - historical review and current possibilities of application

'Faster, deeper, cheaper' -it is not just a slogan, it is a motto of every oil company. The first application of rotary--percussion drilling method in drilling oil wells took place in early 60's of the XX century in the United States. Unfortunately, in Poland did not apply. First of all, the main advantage is the inereased rate of penetration, in comparison with standard rotary drilling, and consequently - lower wellbore costs. The purpose of present paper is to discuss the historical background of application of rotary-percussion drilling method, technological changes that have oceurred over the years, and to show the potential of this drilling method, using modern technology, in comparison with standard rotary method.