Bias Aircraft tires feature a casing which is constructed of alternate
layers of rubber coated ply cords which extend under the beads and
are at alternate angles substantially less than 90 degrees to the
center line of the tread.
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Tread
The tread is made of rubber, compounded for toughness, durability
and wear resistance. The tread pattern is designed in accordance
with aircraft operational requirements. The circumferential ribbed
tread is widely used today to provide good traction under varying
runway conditions.
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Sidewall
The sidewall is a protective layer of flexible, weather-resistant
rubber covering the outer casing ply, extending from tread edge
to bead area.
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Tread Reinforcing Ply
Tread reinforcement is one or more layers of fabric that strengthen
and stabilize the tread area for high-speed operation. It also serves
as a reference for the buffing process in retreadable tires.
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Buff Line Cushion
The buff line cushion is made of rubber compound to enhance the
adhesion between the tread reinforcing ply and the breakers or casing
plies. This rubber layer is of sufficient thickness to allow for
the removal of the old tread when the tire is retreaded.
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Breakers
Breakers are reinforcing plies of rubber-coated fabric placed under
the buffline cushion to protect casing plies and strengthen and
stabilize the tread area. They are considered an integral part of
the casing construction.
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Casing Plies
Plies are alternate layers of rubber-coated fabric (running at opposite
angles to one another) which provide the strength of the tire.
.
Wire Beads
The beads are hoops of high tensile strength steel wire which anchor
the casing plies and provide a firm mounting surface on the wheel.
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Apex Strip
The apex strip is a wedge of rubber affixed to the top of the bead
bundle.
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Flippers
These layers of rubberized fabric help anchor the bead wires to
the casing and improve the durability of the tire.
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Ply Turnups
Casing plies are anchored by wrapping them under the wire beads,
thus forming the ply turnups.
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Chafer
A chafer is a protective layer of rubber and/or fabric located between
the casing plies and wheel to minimize chafing.
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Bead Toe
The bead toe is the inner bead edge closest to the tire center line.
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Bead Heel
The bead heal is the outer bead edge that fits against the wheel
flange.
.
Liner
In tubeless tires, this inner layer of low permeability rubber acts
as a built-in tube and restricts gas from defusing into the casing
plies. For tube-type tires a thinner rubber liner is used to prevent
tube chafing against the inside ply.
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Courtesy
of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
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