Airbus A380 Takes Off on Michelin Tyres

When the new Airbus A380 finally took off yesterday it caused quite stir, with media reports beaming the event all over the world. But what you might not have noticed when the world’s largest passenger aircraft made its maiden voyage yesterday it did so on Michelin tyres. The new aeroplane uses 22 wheels and, of course, all of those will require tyres from either Michelin or alternative tyre supplier, Bridgestone. The wheels and brakes were developed by Honeywell and Dunlop Aerospace in a cooperation that saw Honeywell take the lead.

According to Michelin, each the tyres is designed to operate at a lift-off speed of 378 km/h carrying 33 tonnes. The new tyre’s special lightweight construction reduces the A380’s total weight by 360 kilograms, compared with conventional tyres.