A NYLON-BELTED radial tyre to be used on McDonnell Douglas AV-8Bs operated by the US Marine Corps has been developed by Dunlop Aircraft Tyres division.
Dunlop says that the nylon belt gives the tyre supplementary compliance for the same overall weight, with no loss of strength. Steering and taxiing at low speed are particularly improved, the company claims.
The dual-bead construction is claimed to improve fit and stiffens the entire structure, making it easier to tow, or to turn corners with the aircraft.
After an initial trial, the US Navy has placed an order for the tyres worth nearly £1 million ($620,000).
Source: Flight International