Aircraft tires are specially designed to withstand the extreme loads and speeds encountered during take-off, landing and taxiing. They are typically made of high-strength rubber compounds reinforced with steel cords or Kevlar.
Key Features of Aircraft Tires
- High Load Capacity: Aircraft tires must be able to support the enormous weight of the aircraft during take-off and landing.
- High Speed Capability: They must be able to withstand the high speeds reached during take-off and landing without overheating or bursting.
- Retreadability: Many aircraft tires are designed to retreaded multiple times, which helps to reduce costs and environmental impact.
- Heat Resistance: Aircraft tires operate at high temperatures, especially during braking, and must be able to dissipate heat effectively to prevent failure.
- Cut and Chip Resistance: The tread must be resistant to cuts and chips from runway debris.
- Hydroplaning Resistance: The tread pattern must be designed to channel water away from the tire contact patch to prevent hydroplaning.
- Blowout Resistance: Aircraft tires are equipped with safety features such as fusible plugs that melt at a certain temperature to prevent explosive failure in case of overheating.
Additional Features
- Nitrogen Inflation: Many aircraft tires are inflated with nitrogen instead of air to improve performance and safety.
- Self-Sealing: Some tires are designed to seal small punctures automatically.
- Special Purpose Tires: There are also specialized tires for different types of aircraft, such as those used on seaplanes or military aircraft.
Aircraft tires are a critical component of aircraft safety and performance. They are subjected to extreme conditions and must be carefully maintained to ensure safe operation.
Major Commercial Aircraft Tire Manufacturers
- Michelin (France)
- Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company (US)
- Bridgestone Corporation (Japan)
- Dunlop Aircraft Tyres Ltd. (UK)
- Quingdao Sentury Tires Company Limited (China)
These companies dominate the aircraft tire market due to their high brand value, strong distribution networks and long-term agreements with aircraft manufacturers.
Major Fighter Jet Tire Manufacturers
- Michelin (France)
- Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company (US)
- Dunlop Aircraft Tyres Ltd.(UK)
- MRF (Madras Rubber Factory) (India)
These companies specialize in manufacturing high-performance tires that can withstand the extreme conditions of fighter jet operations, including high speeds, heavy loads, and rapid acceleration and deceleration.
Among these companies, the Michelin holds the crown of largest aircraft tire manufacturer, they hold a significant market share, supplying tires for almost 50% of commercial aircrafts worldwide and also the largest manufacturer of fighter and other military aircraft tires.
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