SBIR-STTR Award

The desirability and practicality of a self-sealing tire has been established for a number of years. At present, there are several approaches to this problem available in the marketplace. However, the available systems can only provide puncture protection in the trend area of the tire. This is not adequate for military purposes where protection must be provided over the entire surface of the tire casing. In addition, the current systems are very expensive. Arnco has developed, and successfully tested, a self-sealing polyurethane Tire lining system for commercial over-the-road vehicles that is proof against punctures up to 7.smm in diameter. The system is inexpensive in use and the equipment simple to operate. The objective of this program is to expand this system to allow the entire inner surface of a tubeless aircraft tire casing to be protected with a polyurethane self-sealing lining material. In addition we expect to demonstrate a considerable cost saving in relation to products currently available or proposed to the military.

The practicality and ability to protect an aircraft tire from ballistic penetrations up to 7.62 mm has been demonstrated. Using semi-automated techniques a nominal 0.250 inch self-sealing polyurethane lining was placed over the entire inner surface of a F-16 aircraft tire. The coating was homogenous throughout and displayed no negative effects upon the dynamic properties of the tire system. The lined tires were subjected to test firings using standard NATO 7.62 mm projectiles. In all cases the tires sealed successfully. The polyurethane was also evaluated in extreme environments of heat and cold with positive results. It remains to upgrade and automate the lining system with the necessary equipment, controls and techniques to provide an accessable facility for procurement of self-sealing tires by the air force and other elements of the U.S. Government. Additional static and dynamic testing must be conducted to prepare a purchase specification for the procurement of lined tires. The system will be inexpensive in use and operationally simple.