Wear of F-16 Mainwheel Tires During Constant Slip Braking

As part of the USAF Improved Tire Life program, a study was conducted on the effect of various levels of braking on wear rates at flight loads and inflations. A skid trailer was modified to accept F-16 tires, wheels and brakes. An antiskid control box was specially built to provide any desired slip level. Tire wear rates were measured as a function of load, inflation, slip and tire construction (control and improved of both bias and radial). Wear rate increased rapidly above a threshold slip level.