Ever wonder if airplanes use tube or tubeless tires? With the exception of specialized aircraft like seaplanes, most airplanes have tires. Small airplanes may have just three tires, whereas jumbo-sized airliners can have up to 23 tires.
Tires, of course, are part of an airplane’s landing gear. When landing, airplanes will extend their tires to absorb the force of touchdown and provide the necessary traction for braking.
What Are Tube-Type Tires
Tube-type tires are characterized by the presence of an inflatable inner tube. Once mounted on a wheel, the tube is positioned inside of the tire. Air is forced into the tire’s inner tube, causing it to inflate and press against the inner walls of the tire.
Tube-type tires feature an outer shell as well. The outer shell, however, doesn’t hold air. Instead, it’s designed to protect the inner tube. It serves as a physical protective barrier, shielding the inner tube from puncture and other forms of damage.
What Are Tubeless Tires?
Tubeless tires, on the other hand, don’t require an inner tube. They feature an integrated tire and wheel combination that works together to maintain a sealed, pressurized environment.
Most automobiles use tubeless tires. The wheel doesn’t just hold the tire; it provides the sealing surfaces. When you inflate a tubeless tire, the tire will expand as it presses against the wheel.
Why Most Airplanes Use Tubeless Tires
Most modern airplanes use tubeless tires. For starters, they can typically handle more weight than their tube-type counterparts. Tube-type tires have a smaller inflatable section (the inner tube). When exposed to heavy loads, the inner section may rupture. Tubeless tires don’t have a separate inner section, allowing them to safely handle heavy loads.
Another reason airplanes use tubeless tires is weight reduction. Tubeless tires weigh less than tube-type tires because they don’t feature an inner tube. It’s not a substantial difference, but every little bit of weight saved adds up. Commercial airlines can cut their fuel costs by using tubeless tires thanks to their lower weight.
Tubeless tires have fewer parts than tube-type tires. Why does this matter? With fewer parts, there are fewer potential points of failure. Additionally, tubeless tires are easier to repair and maintain because they have fewer parts.
While most modern airplanes do, in fact, use tubeless tires, some still use tube-type tires. Tube-type tires are typically found on smaller airplanes, such as single-engine planes. They are inexpensive and don’t require an airtight wheel assembly.
