U.S. Special Forces Spotted Using High-Tech Non-pneumatic Tire (No Air Required)
U.S. Special Ops units received the new tire fitted to MV850 ATVs in 2013, but have since kept their use underwraps-that is, until now.
U.S. Special Forces are known for their important role in testing the newest high-tech equipment. This is the case with Polaris’ TerrainArmor non-pneumatic tire.
The U.S. military recognized the capabilities of the experimental tire in early 2011. “The Army is always looking at innovative next-generation technologies that improve capabilities for our soldiers,” said Dov Schwartz, a U.S. Army spokesman at the Pentagon. U.S. Special Ops units received the new tire fitted to MV850 ATVs in 2013, but have since kept their use underwraps- that is, until now.
The photo below, released by the Department of Defense, reveals the first known image of U.S. Special Forces in the field using the tires while training with their Chilean counterparts.
The new tires utilize a polyurethane honeycomb design to outlast any run-flat tire.
The TerrainArmor tire can withstand 30% damage to the webbing structure before it ceases to function - a massive upgrade compared to the military's run-flat tires for Humvees and MRAPS, which still require a certain amount of air to operate. A common problem was when a vehicles tire was hit with an IED or large caliber weapon. The heavily armored vehicle became immobilized, stranding the occupants, and vulnerable to attack.
The TerrainArmor tires can take a 50. caliber hit, a rail spike through the webbing, and keep on rolling for over 1,000 miles with a full combat load. Although the tires are only fitted on ATV’s, they will soon be used on larger, armored vehicles. There is a civilian version that was released this year.
