Ray Pantling, owner of Tyres Direct, explains how tyres on military vehicles can be driven for 80km after deflation…

Following the recent harrowing scenes we’ve seen in Ukraine, I thought I would discuss tyres on military vehicles.

A key issue for the constructors of military equipment is ensuring the mobility of military vehicles during combat.

Among the major threats to their mobility are the tyres which get especially damaged by vehicle-targeted fire, after running on a mine or an improvised explosive device.

During the operational life of a military vehicle, a military wheel is designed to withstand high load and stress that is called the Run-Flat system.

Army vehicles have pneumatic tyres which are designed to run on flat with no air, and which enable them to continue to be driven at reduced speeds and for a limited distance.

The Run-Flat tyres can operate without air pressure for an extended period of time, which can enable the vehicle to steer forward to a safe area.

Run-Flat tyres have reinforced sidewalls that prevent blow out, meaning they won’t need air to stay stiff.

Despite this excellent feature, sidewalls are not designed to be permanent, extra driving only is recommended for approximately 80km after the tyre has deflated.

Run-Flat tyres are an ideal solution in seeing the safety of drivers and passengers when a flat occurs. They are now standard on 15% of new vehicles and almost essential for the armoured and military vehicles.

You can find Ray at Tyres Direct, Unit 51, Barton Road, Water Eaton Industrial Estate, Bletchley, MK2 3BN. For more information follow @TyresDirectBletch on Facebook or visit the website.

This feature was published in the June/July 2022 issue of Celebrate:MK lifestyle magazine. Read the full magazine above or by clicking on this link.