In November 2000, TYRESAFE passed a UK Ministry of Defense ballistic test. The aim of the trial was to assess the ability of TYRESAFE in two main areas:

1) to maintain tyre integrity to allow escape from an enemy engagement after the tyres were engages with small arms fire

2) to determine if the TYRESAFE system was effective in maintaining the serviceability on in-service tyres for more than two battlefield days after a number of punctures

The conclusions of the trial were:

1) Operational Use – the tyres were engages with small arms fire through the tread and the sidewall. TYRESAFE maintained the integrity of the tyres so that escape from the area, to a distance in excess of 11 km, was achieved. After inspection, 97% of tyre pressure remained and after re-inflation, a further battlefield day could be achieved with no further maintenance or deterioration.

2) General Use – TYRESAFE is very effective at maintaining the serviceability of the tyre after punctures had occurred. Immediately after puncturing the tyre, no more than 5% of tyre pressure was lost. After re-inflation and driving for extended periods, there was no loss of pressure other than the fluctuations due to temperature that were reflected in the non-treated tyres.

3) For non-treated tyres with punctures in the tread area and sidewall, TYRESAFE was able to seal punctures quickly and allowed immediate use after re-inflation.

4) There was no difference in the handling performance of the tyre fitted with TYRESAFE compared to those without.

In addition, RAPRA Technologies (Europe’s leading Rubber and Plastics Research Association) conducted further tests on TYRESAFE:

1) Longevity Test – 25,000 miles (approx. 40,000 km) at 70 m/h (approx. 112 km/h)
The tyre was punctured at the start of the test and retained the correct inflation pressure throughout the test.

2) Tyre Speed Test – V-rated tyre at a speed of 144 m/h (approx. 231 km/h)
The tyre was punctured at the start of the test and TYRESAFE performed effectively as a sealant throughout the test.

3) Tyre Speed Test – S-rated tyre at speed 106 m/h (approx. 170 km/h)
The tyre was punctured at the start of the test and TYRESAFE performed effectively as a sealant throughout the test.

4) Confirmation to BSAU 159(f) – British standard for repairs to tyres for motor vehicles on the public highway
The previously punctured tyre (which had successfully completed the 25,000 mile test) was inflated to 176 PSI, the maximum recommended pressure for the tyre. The tyre withstood the test and remained inflated with no visible signs of failure occurring.