Cooper signs joint pact to develop airless military tyre
ERJ staff report (TB - KmcC)
Las Vegas, Nevada -- Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. has signed a joint development agreement with Resilient Technologies LLC to produce an airless military tyre prototype for Humvees that would help the vehicles retain mobility amid gunfire and explosions.
The non-pneumatic tyre (NPT) has been under development by Resilient for more than two years to address the problem of the increased number of military vehicles and personnel being stranded in Iraq and elsewhere due to bullets and shrapnel causing flat tyres.
Under the joint venture, Cooper will provide design, manufacturing, testing and performance expertise. Resilient provides experience with unique engineered, advanced polymer products.
The prototype NPT, unlike traditional tyres, features an open honeycomb casing without a sidewall. The honeycomb design allows bullets and shrapnel to move through the tyre without disabling it, according to Cooper. The tyre will continue to run even if a large portion of the honeycomb cells have been disabled, the company said.
The companies said the design provides better mobility, range, functionality and reliability and requires less maintenance than a standard military run-flat tyre.
“We value the opportunity to work with Resilient Technologies on a project that directly helps save the lives of US military personnel,†said Chuck Yurkovich, vice president of global technology for Cooper. “The initial field tests, at speeds up to 55 mph, have reinforced that we're on the right path regarding the tyre's structure and composition.â€
The NPT weighs less than a traditional Humvee run-flat tyre, requires less oil in the manufacturing process and is retreadable. After additional testing, Cooper and Resilient said they will deliver prototypes to the US Army. The tyre is expected to be in use by 2011.
The NPT also has future potential in the commercial market, Yurkovich said.
“There are a lot of potential consumer benefits with a non-pneumatic tyre and we're looking forward to assessing the practicality of implementation in our markets."
From Tire Business (A Crain publication)
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