Bridgestone launches "next-generation" aircraft tires for Boeing 737

Tokyo – Bridgestone has started supplying “next-generation” aircraft radial tires for the Boeing 737, which it says offer “significantly improved wear performance” compared with their predecessors.

The tires are already being fitted on aircraft operated by partner airlines with whom Bridgestone collaborated to create the tire, said Bridgestone 27 Oct.

Developed using flight data provided by partner airlines and Bridgestone's proprietary simulation technology, the tires deliver an improvement of more than 20% in the number of landings before replacement, compared with previous models.

The improvements are achieved through a combination of new tread rubber, optimised ground-contact characteristics and enhanced sidewall durability.

In particular, Bridgestone said it employed its proprietary 'NanoPro Tech' material technology to develop a new rubber compound with improved carbon black reinforcement and dispersion.

The technology, said Bridgestone, improves the tire's “wear balance during aircraft landing and ground travel”, significantly enhancing wear resistance.

As a result, the number of possible landings per tire has increased by more than 20%, based on tests conducted on aircraft operated by partner airlines.

The improvement is particularly relevant to domestic flight operations involving frequent take-offs and landings, where tire replacement can contribute to aircraft downtime.

According to Bridgestone, the technology can help reduce tire replacement frequency, maximise aircraft utilisation and lower operating costs.

The new tires also incorporate an optimised contact-patch design, developed by combining actual flight data with simulation technology.

This provides more uniform ground contact under different operating conditions, including runway take-offs and landings and taxiway operations.

The new product also builds on Bridgestone's existing 'RRR' (revolutionarily reinforced radial) technology, which employs a belt structure made from high-elasticity, high-strength fibres.

The structure is designed to reduce tire weight, improve wear resistance and enhance durability.

By further optimising the tire sidewall shape, Bridgestone said it has improved casing durability, extending the total service life of the tire, including through retreading.

From 2027, the Japanese tire maker also intends to broaden the range of aircraft covered by the new technology.