Resilient Technologies, a Wisconsin-based company, has developed the non-pneumatic or airless tire (NPT) as part of a four-year, $18 million project with the U.S. Department of Defense and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Tires are commonly known to be a Humvee's weakest point. The NPT was developed to be used on heavy-grade military vehicles such as Humvees to help get troops out of harm’s way.
Resilient Technologies won’t release specific information regarding the polymers and other materials used to make its airless tires, but we do know that the honeycomb tires are built to handle a maximum load of 3.850 pounds (1,746kg). The NPT is designed to withstand the impact of a roadside landmine or small arms attack and will continue to roll along even if up to 30 percent of the tire’s honeycomb structure is estroyed. The airless tire is currently being tested on a Wausau-based National Guard Humvee.
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Trend Themes
1. Non-pneumatic Tires - Resilient Technologies' airless tire innovation presents a disruptive opportunity for the tire industry to create durable and resilient tires that can withstand harsh conditions.
2. Military Vehicle Innovations - The development of airless tires for heavy-grade military vehicles like Humvees opens up possibilities for disruptive innovations in military vehicle design and technology.
3. Resilient Materials - The use of polymers and other resilient materials in the construction of airless tires offers opportunities for disruptive innovation in the material science and manufacturing industries.
Industry Implications
1. Tire Manufacturing - The airless tire technology developed by Resilient Technologies has the potential to disrupt the tire manufacturing industry by revolutionizing tire design and durability.
2. Military and Defense - The use of airless tires in military vehicles presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the military and defense industry, improving vehicle safety and durability.
3. Material Science - The development of resilient materials used in airless tire production offers potential for disruptive innovation in the material science industry, leading to stronger and more durable materials for various applications.