18 November 2013

First production airless tyre



This is an all terrain vehicle produced by US manufacturer Polaris, writes Brian Byrne. But the interesting thing about it is the tyres.

They're the first airless tyres used on a production vehicle, and are virtually indestructible. Branded TerrainArmour, they are designed to be able to drive 350 miles after taking a direct hit from a .50 calibre bullet, or run 1,000 miles after running over a metal spike.

The inner structure mesh design is able to support the full weight of the vehicle, but is flexible enough to damp out bumps and holes on the track.

A rubber outer strip can be designed with a full range of tyre treads to suit different applications. And only that outer section needs to be changed if damaged.

Polaris claim the tyre is also quieter and more comfortable than traditional tyres.

Michelin, Bridgestone and Hankook have all shown concepts of their own airless tyres using similar principles. But having them on passenger cars is a way off yet.