Michelin shows latest editions to aviation range

Michelin has unveiled a quartet of new aviation tyres at the 2013 Paris Air Show. Intended for the four main segments of the aerospace market, the new radials feature NZG technology and are aimed at a broad range of aircraft manufacturers.

NZG, or Near Zero Growth, is a radial technology that uses aramid reinforcing cords to reduce casing growth due to inflation or centrifugal force, thereby considerably lengthening tyre lifespan. The cord reduces casing growth (due to the effects of inflation and centrifugal force at takeoff) to less than three per cent, compared with eight per cent for a nylon radial and 12 per cent for a standard cross-ply tyre. Michelin claims its NZG radials are more reliable, economical and environmentally friendly; the French tyre maker states the technology enables up to 100 per cent more landings and up to half as many wheel changes, while 22 per cent less raw material is used in a NZG radial in comparison with a standard cross-ply equivalent. 

Commercial operators are being targeted with the Michelin AIR X for the Airbus A350-XWB range, a tyre available in sizes 1050x395R16/28/245 and 1400xx530R23/42/235. The tyre has been certified for fitment on the new twinjet Dreamliner rival, which is scheduled to enter service from 2014. Compared to an equivalent radial nylon tyre, the new AIR X offers weight reduction of up to ten per cent, 30 per cent more landings and 30 per cent more FOD resistance.

Michelin’s latest offering for the regional segment is the AIR X for the Bombardier CSeries range. This is available in sizes 27×8.5R12/16/225 and H42x15.0R21/26/225, and compared with the equivalent cross-ply tyre it gives up to 25 per cent weight reduction, 100 per cent more landings and 50 per cent greater FOD resistance. Michelin has been selected as sole supplier for the new twinjet CSeries range, which is scheduled to enter service in 2014. 

The AIR X for general aviation customers includes Michelin’s new tyre for the Cessna Citation X, the world’s fastest business jet. The new aircraft, which is scheduled to enter service late this year, has been certified for the AIR X in size 26×6.6R14/14/210. Compared with a traditional cross-ply tyre, the AIR X offers a weight reduction of up to 40 per cent, 50 per cent more landings and 50 per cent more FOD resistance. 

Military customers have not been forgotten; at the show Michelin presented the AIR X for the new Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II multirole fighter. This tyre is produced in size 34×11.0R17/26/288 and gives a weight reduction of up to 20 per cent compared with an equivalent cross-ply tyre, plus 40 per cent more FOD resistance. Michelin supplies tyres to the new Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II on a single source basis.