Michelin OE on Gulfstream G280

Aircraft manufacturer Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation has chosen Michelin’s Air X radial as original equipment on its newest super mid-size business jet, the G280. Commenting on the supply deal, Bob Pointon, director of original equipment for the Michelin Aircraft Tire Company, said: “Michelin is proud to be the tyre of choice on the new G280. Michelin is committed to providing innovation and safety. Our radial tyres are designed to provide a long tyre life and exceptional performance.”

Michelin says the Air X is offered in “more radial sizes than all other aircraft tyre brands combined,” including 12 sizes for business jets. Outlining the tyre’s key features, Michelin says it provides the advantages over cross-ply technology of more landings per tread, improved cut resistance and measurable fuel savings. The radial offers a 20 to 30 per cent  weight reduction over comparable cross-ply tyres, an extra strong carcass to restrict tyre growth, an optimised tread design for cut resistance, customised rubber compounds for ozone and ultraviolet light protection and a flexible casing for smooth taxiing, takeoffs and landings for passenger comfort.

Gulfstream announced its first G280 customer deliveries on 14 November. The new aircraft is a joint effort between Gulfstream and Israel Aerospace Industries. The G280 has a range of 3,600 nautical miles (6,667 km) at Mach 0.80, making it the only super mid-sized aircraft that can reliably fly nonstop between London and New York.