The Aircraft Tire Wear Problem

The effects of several different factors on aircraft tire wear performance have been evaluated in a recently completed joint Air Force/NASA/Industry Improved Tire Life Program. This 3-year study was aimed at gaining a better understanding of the tire wear problem and identifying possible approaches to improve aircraft tire life cycle costs. Tire parameters evaluated included tread temperature, loading, inflation pressure, size, tread design, construction, speed and operating mode. Results obtained from nearly 900 test runs with NASA Langley's Instrumented Tire Test Vehicle on different dry pavement surfaces under straight-ahead free rolling, yawed rolling, fixed-slip braking, and cambered rolling are discussed.