PresSense – Michelin and Safran unveil first connected aircraft tyre

At the 2017 Paris – Le Bourget Air Show, Michelin and Safran have presented the world’s first connected tyres for the aeronautical industry. The innovation, called ‘PresSense’ comprises an electronic pressure sensor installed within the tyre to greatly improve and simplify ground maintenance operations. Michelin reports that the PresSense project is scheduled to be deployed in 2019.

The wireless PresSense solution, which functions as an embedded system, is the result of a more than two-year collaboration between Michelin and Safran. The electronic pressure sensor in the tyre collects information on the inflation pressure. The digital data is transferred remotely, without any intervention on the tyre, by a reader connected to a smartphone, and then to the maintenance database. This allows for a much simpler process than conventional maintenance, which requires manual pressure collection through the wheel valve and a manometer – quite an operation when inflation pressures exceed 200 psi (15 bar).

“We are pleased to partner with Michelin, the tyre industry leader, truly experienced in tyre innovation and connectivity,” states Vincent Mascré, chief executive officer of Safran Landing Systems. “Together we will be able to offer our customers a reliable, efficient and time-saving solution.”

“The collaboration between the teams of Michelin and those of Safran, leader in aircraft landing systems and an expert on embedded aeronautical systems, has been decisive,” adds Frank Moreau, president of Michelin Aircraft Tyre. “PresSense represents a real technological innovation, answering our clients’ needs.”