Lighter & longer lasting: Michelin launches new generation aviation tyre

With the debut of the Air X Sky Light commercial aviation tyre at this week’s Paris Air Show, Michelin says it is introducing a world first. The tyre is ten to 20 per cent lighter than previous generations, and this “major weight saving” is accompanied by “better performances over the long term” such as Landing Per Tread (LPT). The manufacturer anticipates a 15 to 20 per cent longer lifespan for Air X Sky Light compared to equivalent older generation products.

Weight is a major constraint for aircraft, and every kilogram counts. Therefore, Michelin believes Air X Sky Light’s weight reduction “actually represents a substantial fuel saving” for both current and future aircraft, with fewer CO2 emissions thrown into the bargain. As examples, the tyre maker points out that the main gear of narrow body aircraft such as the Airbus A320 or Boeing 727 could be 75 kg lighter, while wide body planes like the Airbus A350 or Boeing 777 could shed up to 250 kg from the main gear.

“Consequently, for a fleet of 40 long-haul aircraft, the weight reduction in the tyres alone could allow for saving US$900,000 in jet fuel per year and represent a reduction in CO2 emissions of 3,400 metric tons,” states Michelin. “For a fleet of 100 medium-haul aircraft, the jet fuel savings would be US$600,000, with a reduction of 2,200 metric tons of CO2 over one year.”

Focus on weight reduction

When designing Air X Sky Light, Michelin says it started with a full and standardised tyre lifecycle environmental assessment: It found that weight is “by far the parameter with the most impact” (90 to 98 per cent) and that this occurs during the usage phase. Carrying a tyre at high altitude consumes a lot of energy. Tyres on a landing gear can weigh up to 2,000 kg or more, thus reducing weight is a major challenge.

Major breakthrough innovations

According to Michelin, Air X Sky Light is the result of “multiple breakthrough innovations” in tyre architecture, materials used, and the manufacturing processes.

The tyre maker obtained the aforementioned 15 to 20 per cent generational improvement in lifespan through crown architecture and an optimised footprint. “These performances are made possible by the use of ultra-resistant casing materials as well as latest-generation hybrid cables and fabrics.” The new generation tyre also uses more sustainable materials than its predecessor, a development “in line with the Michelin Group’s aim to use 100 per cent sustainable materials by 2050.”

Lastly, on an industrial level, Michelin developed innovative manufacturing processes within its Bourges factory in France, which is dedicated to aeronautics activities.

PresSense compatible

Air X Sky Light is 100 per cent compatible with the PresSense connected tyre offer that Michelin developed in partnership with Safran. The tyre debuts three years after the two firms first tested the PresSense solution.

With Michelin Air X Sky Light aimed at the commercial aviation market, Michelin will define the range of tyre dimensions it offers based upon the “priorities of airlines and aircraft manufacturers.” It points out that the development of a new dimension takes between two and three years and is subject to “extremely demanding homologation and certification rules.” The dimensions will be approved for fitment on new aircraft and form the subject of retrofit agreements on existing aircraft in cooperation with manufacturers, airlines and aeronautical authorities,

An early adopter of the Air X Sky Light is Dassault, which will equip its new Falcon 10X business jet with the tyre. Test flights for the Falcon 10X are planned for the coming months, according to the schedule set out by Dassault Aviation.