tread section attached to a carcass or worn tire. Each
rebuilt tire saves aircraft operators approximately 75
percent of the cost of a new tire. Data shows that a
rebuilt tire gives service comparable to a new tire.
The General Accounting Office (GAO) and the
Department of Defense (DOD) policy mandates
“aircraft tires will be rebuilt in all cases where
economics can be realized without affecting safety of
personnel and/or equipment.” The Navy has
established rebuilding criteria consistent with tire
technology and service experience. By using this
approach, functionally sound tire carcasses are
returned to qualified contractors for rebuilding. In
conjunction with these procedures, Navy laboratories
monitor rebuilt tires to ensure the fleet receives a
satisfactory product.
The military rebuilt tire is as
safe as, or safer than, a new tire because it is built on
a service-tested tire carcass, whereas a new tire has
had no service use to establish its construction
reliability and performance suitability. Rebuilt tires
are subjected to quality control procedures that are far
more stringent than those imposed on a new tire.
Unlike a new tire, each rebuilt tire receives a final
nondestructive inspection with laser beam optical
holographic methods. This procedure detects separa-
tions, voids, and multiple cord fractures within the
carcass, which are cause for tire rejection.
Size Designation
Figure 11-12 shows the points of measurement
used to designate the size of a tire. For example, a tire
with a size designation of 26 X 6.6 would have an
outside diameter (measurement A) of 26 inches and a
cross-sectional width (measurement B) of 6.6 inches.
The letter X merely separates the two measurements.
If the tire’s size designation were 26 X 6.6-10, then
the tire would have a rim diameter (measurement C)
of 10 inches. If only one numerical designation is
used for a tire, you should assume that it is the outside
diameter (measurement A).
Standard Identification Markings
You should be familiar with the markings on the
sidewall of a tire. You will need this information to
complete a VIDS/MAF for a tire change. The
Figure 11-12.—Size designation of tires.
11-13
