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.