Tire Development by Dedicated Involvement

This paper discusses some of the improvements made in aircraft tires and looks at possible future developments. Fiber is discussed; current nylon fiber may well be replaced with fiber B, a new organic material with high strength and high modulus. Compounds can be tested on accurate machines. Tread designs are changing to a centerline rib with four grooves. A new carcass shape in the lower sidewall area is discussed. Retreading practices are reviewed, and it is shown that the unit price of new tires and retreaded tires has increased very little in relation to performance.