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The use of aircraft is integral in modern life. The tires used in aircraft have created an extensive market for themselves.
An aircraft tire is a sophisticated, computer-designed, and multi-component product. A variety of materials are used to manufacture aircraft tires.
The basic raw materials used to manufacture aircraft tires are Steel, fabric, rubber, and chemicals.
These tires play a vital role in aircraft performance and therefore it becomes essential to maintain these tires’ performance. The tread patterns on aircraft tires are designed to improve traction and grip in extreme weather conditions.
These tires are manufactured with designs that are capable of carrying heavy loads at high speeds in any configuration whether light or heavy, large or small.
The aircraft tire is an integral commodity for aircraft and therefore this market is opportunistic and is vulnerable to modifications and better designs for aircraft.
In this report, we will further dwell upon the various dynamics associated with this market.
Some of the important driving factors of this market can be listed as:
The limited number of manufacturers may hamper the growth of this market. Also, some strict aviation regulations and the high cost of aviation tires because of high rubber prices may hinder the growth of this market.
Analysis of various aircraft accidents reveals technical faults in tires. FAA thus, addressing the issue has implemented guidelines stating frequent replacement of aircraft tires. This is a prime factor for the expansion of this market in recent times.
By Supplier, the market is segmented as OEM and Aftermarket. Based on product type, bias ply, and radial ply. Radial tires can offer low weight but on the other side is less retread able and therefore can exhibit weaker sidewalls.
The radial tires are preferred over cross-ply tires that were used because of their harder and robust construction.
The radial tires, therefore, help reduce operational costs and generate less heat, thus have a longer life. Based on aircraft type, the market is divided into commercial aircraft, military aircraft, and business and general aircraft.
Geographically, the market is divided into major regions. The major regions are North America, Europe, Middle-East and Africa, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region.
The increasing air traffic in countries like India and China and increased procurement of military aircraft is indicative of growth in the Asia-Pacific region.
The relaxation in regulation in the aviation industry and the rise in the number of budget airlines provide a prospective growth outlook in this region.
Not only this, taking advantage of poor connectivity of rail transport in countries covered in the Asia-Pacific region, companies are planning to expand their operations in this region.
The United States is the growth region of this market. The North American region is the manufacturing capital of this industry as a huge number of aircraft OEM, tire manufacturers, and raw material suppliers belong to this region.
In the forecast period, the European region is expected to have prospective growth in the tire market owing to various aircraft programs. One such program is A320 including the neo variants.
India is a potential market to be exploited by creating more aircraft manufacturing and availability.
The increasing defense budget of China and the opening of new manufacturing units for Boeing and Airbus points towards the prospective growth expected in this region during the forecast period.
The marketplace was put to a halt during the pandemic. Since, lockdowns have been lifted and mobility is being restored, the market is returning to pre-Covid functioning capacity.
A British maker and retreader of aviation tyres with a factory in Mocksville, Dunlop Aircraft Tyres Ltd., was acquired by New York-based private equity firm Liberty Hall Capital Partners as part of a $135 million deal on Thursday morning.
The first portfolio firm of Liberty Hall that specialises in offering aftermarket goods and services to the international aerospace and defence industry is Dunlop Aircraft Tyres.
Officials from Liberty were not immediately available to comment on how the acquisition may affect the Mocksville operation, where Dunlop opened its first U.S. retreading facility in a 108,000-square-foot building at 205 Enterprise Way with plans to hire 40 people there within two years.
The company is well-positioned to continue outperforming the market thanks to its well-known brand, track record of excellent customer service, cutting-edge technology, and well-balanced portfolio of platforms in both the civil and military aviation sectors.
The business has also successfully implemented a business plan focused on modernization, product and technology range extension, and regional expansion.
We plan to give management the resources—financial, intellectual, and human—they need to keep serving Dunlop’s clients.
Dunlop Aircraft Tyres is a British company with its main office in Birmingham. It also has offices in Mocksville, Texas, and Jinjiang, China.
There are roughly some workers working for the company, and its goods are used by more than 85 different manufacturers and aircraft operators worldwide. The aftermarket accounts for more than a certain percentage of Dunlop Aircraft Tyres’ revenue.
Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company has announced a new push to increase the usage of natural rubber derived from dandelions rather than latex derived from rubber trees (mostly from tropical habitats), which accounts for nearly all of the present natural rubber market.
Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TK for short) is a species of dandelions that may grow in temperate areas in the United States.
This species of dandelion has natural rubber latex in its roots. And, unlike a rubber tree, which takes seven years to generate the latex needed to make rubber, dandelions can be gathered in just six months.
Goodyear has collaborated on the multi-year, multi-million-dollar project with the US Department of Defense, the Air Force Research Lab, and BioMADE.
To produce a domestic source of rubber made from American-grown dandelions, the group will work with Farmed Materials, an Ohio-based company that develops and commercialises agriculturally generated, sustainable, high-performance polymers.
As a source of natural rubber, a commodity so vital to the global economy that it is categorised as an essential raw material. With this new project, Goodyear wants to address this issue.
Specialty Tires of America (STA) created the STA Super Smooth tire exclusively for low-speed aircraft and aircraft towing applications.
This tire ensures smooth operations and a high load capacity with its remarkable performance and dependability.
The STA Super Smooth tire is designed to suit the particular requirements of low-speed aircraft and aircraft towing activities. It uses cutting-edge technology and premium materials in its construction.
It is made to offer a comfortable ride while also having great traction and durability. The tire has a unique tread pattern that reduces vibration and noise, improving the comfort of the crew and passengers overall.
The STA Super Smooth tire’s outstanding load-carrying capacity is one of its primary characteristics. Because of its ability to support big loads, it is appropriate for a variety of low-speed aircraft and aircraft towing applications.
The tire’s durable design and reinforced sides guarantee peak performance even under difficult circumstances.
The STA Super Smooth tire provides dependable and effective load-bearing capabilities, whether it is hauling freight or towing aircraft on the ground.
Another crucial component of the STA Super Smooth tire is durability. It is built to endure the demanding starting, stopping, and turning that occur frequently during airport operations.
To withstand punctures, cuts, and abrasions, the tire’s structure uses reinforced parts and high-strength materials.
This durability factor increases overall operational efficiency while also lowering maintenance and replacement expenses.
Additionally, the STA Super Smooth tire offers great braking and traction performance. Its tread pattern is made to offer improved traction on a variety of surfaces, including as runways, taxiways, and aprons.
This guarantees dependable braking performance and lowers the chance of slipping or skidding during takeoff or landing.
Even in slick or wet circumstances, safer and more controllable maneuverability is made possible by the tire’s traction characteristics.
In addition to its performance qualities, the STA Super Smooth tire provides airplane operators with a number of advantages. Its low rolling resistance is a major benefit that helps with fuel economy.
It helps optimize fuel use and cuts down on the energy needed to rotate the tire, saving operators money. A reduction in emissions as a result of improved fuel efficiency also helps to sustain the environment.
The STA Super Smooth tire is also made to be simple to install and maintain. It fits easily and is compatible with common aircraft wheels.
The tire’s design makes it possible for simple inspection and maintenance processes, which streamlines the entire maintenance routine.
In order to maximize operational productivity, this capability guarantees aircraft operators minimal downtime and quick turnaround times.
A variety of low-speed aircraft and aircraft towing operations use the STA Super Smooth tire. The load-carrying capability, toughness, and traction of the STA Super Smooth tire are essential for these vehicles to operate effectively and securely.
The tire is also appropriate for gliders, light pleasure aircraft, and some military aircraft that travel at low speeds.In conclusion, Specialty Tires of America’s STA Super Smooth tire is a high-performance option created for low-speed aircraft and aircraft towing applications.
This tire guarantees easy operations and dependable performance because to its high load-carrying capability, durability, traction, and fuel efficiency.
Operational effectiveness is further enhanced by its simplicity of installation and maintenance.
The STA Super Smooth tire is a dependable option for operators wanting the best performance, safety, and passenger comfort, whether they are using it on specific low-speed aircraft or ground support equipment.
Michelin launched its new Air X SKYLIGHT tyre. It is a new type of aviation tyre that is more durable, lighter, and capable of superior performances while ensuring the same level of safety.
The world’s first radial tyre technology designed for commercial aircraft will be unveiled by Michelin at the 54th Paris Air Show with Air X Skylight.
Its weight has decreased by 10–20% from earlier iterations, making it lighter.
Improved long-term performance (Landing Per Tread, or LPT) and lower maintenance and transportation costs are both benefits of this significant weight reduction.
The Air X SKY LIGHT will last between 15 and 20 percent longer than a comparable model from an earlier generation.
The weight reduction actually translates into significant fuel savings and a reduction in CO2 emissions, both for future aircraft as well as retrofitting existing aircraft.
For instance, the weight reduction on a narrow-body aircraft, like a Boeing 737 or an Airbus A320, may be 75 kg for the main gear.
The savings on the main gear might amount to up to 250 lb on wide-body aircraft like the Airbus A350 or Boeing 777. As a result, for a fleet of 40 long-haul aircraft, the weight savings from the tyres alone may result in an annual savings in jet fuel and a 3,400 metric tonne decrease in CO2 emissions.
In order to create Air X SKY LIGHT, Michelin first conducted a thorough and consistent life cycle study of a tyre from an environmental perspective.
This method shows that the weight is by far the parameter that has the greatest impact, and that this impact happens throughout the usage phase.
It naturally takes a lot of energy to carry a tyre at a high altitude. It is difficult to reduce the weight of a landing gear because the tyres can weigh anywhere between 50 kg and 2,000 kg.
In terms of architecture, materials, and production techniques, Air X SKYLIGHT is the culmination of numerous ground-breaking advances.
The lifespan of these tyres is increased by 15-20% over those of the previous generation thanks to their crown construction and optimised footprint.
Utilising the most advanced hybrid cables and textiles, as well as extremely durable casing materials, allows for these performances.
The Michelin Group’s goal of using only sustainably sourced materials is supported by the growing incorporation of increasingly eco-friendly materials.
At the Michelin factory in Bourges, which is dedicated to the Group’s aeronautics activities, cutting-edge manufacturing techniques have also been developed.
The linked tyre offer created in collaboration with Saffron and PresSense is also 100% compatible with the new Air X SKYLIGHT tyre.
The market for commercial aircraft is the target market for Michelin Air X SKY LIGHT. With consideration for the needs of airlines and aircraft manufacturers, the following tyre dimensions will be decided.
Therefore, in collaboration with aircraft manufacturers, airlines, and aeronautical authorities, the succeeding dimensions may be fitted to new aircraft as well as the subject of retrofit agreements on existing aircraft.Bias tyres, radial tyres, and inner tubes are among the products that Michelin offers to clients across the world for use in a variety of industries, including general aviation, military aircraft, commercial and regional airlines.
ADVANCEMENT IN MATERIAL AND MANUFACTURING
Advanced Rubber Compounds: The performance of aviation tires has increased overall as a result of the introduction of new rubber compounds with improved qualities.
These materials provide greater resistance to abrasion, wear, and temperature fluctuations. They also offer increased resistance to cutting and chunking and higher grip on various runway surfaces.
High-Strength Synthetic Fabrics: Contemporary aircraft tires are made from high-strength synthetic materials like nylon, aramid, or polyester.
Tires can be made lighter and more durable because to the superior strength-to-weight ratios of certain materials. Additionally, they aid in enhanced puncture resistance and heat dissipation.
Carbon Fiber reinforcing: To increase strength and save weight, carbon fiber reinforcing has been used into various tire designs for airplanes. Composites made of carbon fiber are lightweight and have a high tensile strength.
This enables increased fuel efficiency, less rolling resistance, and improved load carrying capability.
Silica Additives: To improve grip on slick terrain and lower rolling resistance, silica additives are used in tire formulations.
Silica increases the rubber’s elasticity, enhancing braking effectiveness and allowing for better traction on wet runways. Additionally, it aids in minimizing heat accumulation during high-speed operations.
Innovative Cord and Belt Construction: Innovations in cord and belt design have increased tire durability and strength.
Innovative methods, like angle ply and bias ply designs, enable improved load distribution and boosted heat and stress resistance.
Additionally improving overall tire stability, these construction techniques prolong the useful life of tires.Some aircraft tires now come equipped with self-sealing technology.
It entails applying sealant materials into the tire’s construction. Small punctures are sealed with this technology, which also reduces tire pressure loss. Self-sealing tires increase flight safety by lowering the possibility of unexpected deflation.
Thermoplastic elastomers are being investigated as potential replacement materials for airplane tires.
TPEs have good low-temperature flexibility, elasticity, and robustness. They might lead to better durability and performance while also lightening the tire’s overall composition.
Nanocomposites: Using nanocomposite materials in the production of aviation tires holds out hope for improving strength, heat resistance, and fuel efficiency.
Clay or carbon nanotubes are two examples of nanoparticles that are put into the rubber matrix to improve reinforcing, lower rolling resistance, and improve tire performance in general.
Heat-Resistant Materials: New developments in heat-resistant materials have enhanced tire performance during hard braking and high-speed operation.
Specialized rubber compounds and heat-resistant cables, for example, can reduce heat accumulation, increase tire life, and improve safety.
Sustainable Materials: The aviation sector’s emphasis on sustainability has prompted research into sustainable materials for aircraft tires.
This involves utilizing recycled or renewable materials in tire production to lessen the impact of tire manufacturing and disposal on the environment.
Based on product type, various opportunities are available to improve the existing designs. Innovations call for improving the durability and maneuverability of tires.
Also, minimizing tire weight is an important area to work upon. Michelin and Goodyear’s tires have already a prominent presence in the Commercial and Military aircraft business.
Making tires with such configurations improve fuel efficiency and the longer life of tires. Tire safety has been the prime area of focus for OEM.
Various airplane tragedies have made companies work on tire safety. Bridgestone improved its working technology to improve the tire’s durability.
The high growth in emerging markets and more landings per tire is the opportunistic areas in this market. However, reducing the weight of tires and also accounting for handling the heavy load of aircraft remains a challenge in the marketplace.
The latest high-performance bias ply aircraft tires come with Inter-tread reinforcing fabric also called ITF. This configuration helps to provide high-speed stability and reduces tread distortion under extreme loads.
Companies have been working upon advancements in tire manufacturing technologies like utilization of next-generation materials like Synthetic elastomer rubber and cross-linkable rubber.
To add, the concept of Flying cars / Flying Taxis which is still in the incubation period is paving way for companies like Goodyear to come up with concepts like AERO to attract new customers.
These tires have advanced features like multimodal design, magnetic propulsion, optical sensing, non-pneumatic structures, and AI.
These trends started by prominent market players motivate the competitive industries and startups to contribute to the global tires market.
The prominent companies in the marketplace can be listed as:
