1. Foam Filled Tires & Red Gear Wheels
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Currently, a majority of aircraft in long-term storage and preservation, planned maintenance (PM), as well as stricken aircraft, have airworthy wheel and tires installed.
Aircraft wheels with a high scrap rate are at risk of supply shortage.
Aircraft wheels becoming scrap with no further value to the DoD.
Aircraft in PMI still need to follow tire and wheel inflation, maintenance and safety procedures because their tires hold high pressures.
BENEFITS
Increased safety:
No inflation pressure = No explosive potential
Unlocks value of scrap wheels by using them as red gear.
Decreased tire and wheel maintenance.
Capable and safe beyond normal wear limits.
Impervious to FOD.
TECHNOLOGY SOLUTION
A foam filled tire is a pneumatic tire made into a solid tire by filling it with expanding foam or two part liquid rubber that hardens.
Potential use in any situation where weight is not a concern (storage, PMI towing, AMARG).
Potential for any low speed application that has pneumatic tires (component dollies, trailers, etc.)