Practical info: why are airplane tires different from car tires?

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THE aircraft tires differ from those of cars due to the specific aviation requirements. Here are some reasons explaining the differences between these two types of tires :

Load and weight: Airplanes are much heavier than cars, which means airplane tires must be designed to carry much greater loads. They must withstand high weights and large compression forces during landing and take-off.

Tire pressure: Airplane tires are inflated to a much higher pressure than car tires. This is necessary to maintain their shape and rigidity even under high loads. Airplane tires can be inflated to several hundred pounds per square inch (psi), while car tires typically have much lower operating pressure.

Reinforced structure: Airplane tires are made with reinforced materials and structures to withstand high stresses. They are usually reinforced with steel cords or Kevlar belts to improve their resistance to wear, deformation and tearing.

Tread profile: Aircraft tires often have a specific tread profile to meet the needs for grip and performance on landing strips. They are designed to provide maximum traction on different surfaces, including wet or snowy tracks.

Temperature Variation Tolerance: Airplane tires must be able to withstand a wide range of temperatures because airplanes can fly in varying weather conditions. They are designed to withstand extreme temperature variations, ranging from the freezing cold of high altitudes to the high temperatures during high-speed landings.

Shock Absorption Capability: Aircraft tires are designed to absorb shock and vibration during landing and takeoff, providing a more stable and comfortable ride for passengers and crew.

In summary, aircraft tires are designed to meet the specific requirements of aviation, including higher loads, higher pressures, reinforced structures and resistance to temperature variations. These differences allow aircraft tires to operate safely and reliably in demanding aviation conditions, ensuring flight safety and performance.

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