A quick guest post from Ace on a subject that I think we have discussed before…
Although not the most intriguing subject compared to exotic weapons systems like lasers, UCAV’s and stealth bombers, the humble tyre has gone through a fundamental evolutionary change which is as radical as inventing the wheel itself, or at least re-inventing it (apologies).
Resilient Technologies – Airless Tyre
Given the reduction in servicing, i.e. the need for need for air pumps and compressors, valves, tyre cages, puncture repairs and the like, this system gives the opportunity for a significant reduction in servicing and maintenance support, as well as resilience to battle damage. This also applies to aircraft operating remotely from austere locations or on board ship. Given the recent advances in high tech, highly complex systems, its good to see a seemingly low tech, simple solution making ground.
Further reading: http://www.resilienttech.com/
@ TD – interesting find.
Any idea how it compares with a “standard” run-flat tyre fuel efficency wise?
Stick a couple of www. in front of these:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jYcX_D09ig
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcdmH_hVWBY
The last of Chris B.’s limks says they improve ride and handling; do we know how they compare of endurance and fuel efficiency?
Thanks Chris, good videos, have updated the post
I’m just the gift that keeps on giving
I’d imagine that endurance wise they would probably come out comparable to normal tyres as I imagine they’ve taken steps to harden such an otherwise flimsy tire.
Fuel efficiency? Probably worse than a standard tire. I can’t see that thing doing anything to help the mileage.
There is nowt new in this world
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ijVVNjCfkPI/TfDv4p3mDKI/AAAAAAAACP0/QnsxWRsZV5M/s1600/Rooikat+with+airless+tires+1999.jpg
Nifty. Can I get some for my bike?
@ TD
I f**king knew I’d seen them somewhere before. Shame I have a memory that makes Goldfish look like Stephen Fry really. What a find.
We’ve been putting mousse’s in our Enduro bike tyres for a while (the antlers are a bu&&er …) The early ones tended to brake up but later ones were better. The MX nutters took them up as well.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tire_mousse
Rocks, debris, ice