Michelin developing an airless tire.

[TheMightyFavog]

http://greenvilleonline.com/news/business/2005/01/08/2005010856370.htm

The iBot wheelchair that climbs stairs, industrial equipment and military vehicles might be the first to use no-air Tweels, but passenger cars could roll on the new technology in a decade or so, said Terry Gettys, president of Greenville-based Michelin Americas Research Corp.

Michelin is introducing no-air combination tire-and-wheel technology, developed in Greenville, at Detroit's North American International Automobile Show today.

(snip)

The U.S. military has expressed interest in the technology, Gettys said, because stopping to repair flats can be dangerous for soldiers. Stopping makes them vulnerable to ambushes, and landmines and other explosives can disable trucks and put military personnel in peril because of damage to tires.

(snip)

Tweel is one of the three new technologies being introduced to the public at the Detroit car show. The company also is introducing the Michelin Airless, a tire that doesn't have to stop if one or more of its radial bands break or are damaged.

[Gothic Sponge]

1. It's about time!

*curses at flat tires*

[StClone]

2. They will have to overcome some problems

Air weighs next to nothing and airless tire may weigh more and thus reduce fuel efficiency.

Quality modern radial tires can go flat or lose air, however the fact remains it happens but at a very low rate.

Air acts as a shock absorber. Airless tires would need more shock absorbing mechanics that may weigh more and have wear out (need more maintenaince) and also add weight.

Airless tires may be harder to balance and keep in balance.

Load adjustments on air tires means adding more air pressure, whereas airless tire do not have this potential.

Airless tires may give a "harder" ride.

The article states noise with airless is a problem

This will be a niche item for some time.

[StClone]

3. They will have to overcome some problems

Air weighs next to nothing an airless tire may weigh more and thus reduce fuel efficiency.

Quality modern radial tires can go flat or lose air but the fact remains it happens but at a very low rate.

Air acts as a shock absorber. Airless tires would need more shock absorbing mechanics that may weigh more and have more wear and also add weight.

Airless tire may be harder balance and keep in balance.

Load adjustments on air tires means adding more air pressure whereas airless tire do not have this potential.

Airless tires may have a give a "harder" ride.

The article states noise with airless is a problem

this will be a niche item for some time.

[1monster]

4. Amerityre Corp (AMTY) has had an air free tire for years...

I saw a blurb about them on a local news show about five or so years ago.

http://www.amerityre.com/