Tires are an essential part of a typical airplane’s landing gear. With the exception of seaplanes, which have floats or pontoons that allow for water-based landings, nearly all airplanes have tires. Some airplanes, however, have different types of tires than others. Large airplanes, for instance, typically have Type III or Type VII tires, whereas smaller airplanes may have tundra tires.
Overview of Tundra Tires
Tundra tires are medium- or large-size tires that are designed for rough terrain. They are commonly found on small aircraft. Small airplanes often travel to remote areas. As a result, they must be able to land on unpaved surfaces, such as dirt runways or grass fields. Tundra tires allow for such landings.
Airplanes with tundra tires may be able to land on the following surfaces:
- Dirt
- Gravel
- Grass
- Riverbeds
- Snow
How Tundra Tires Differ From Other Aircraft Tires
Tundra tires are often filled with the same nitrogen gas other aircraft tires, but they differ in several ways. For starters, they are less pressurized. The tires on large airplanes may be pressurized to 200 pounds per square inch (PSI) or more. Tundra tires, on the other hand, may be pressurized to just 35 or 50 PSI.
Another key difference between tundra tires and other aircraft tires is the size. Tundra tires are larger than their counterparts. This large size, combined with a low PSI, allows for softer landings on otherwise rough terrain.
Because they are used for landings on rough terrain, tundra tires are rugged. They must be able to withstand direct contact with small rocks, branches and other debris on the ground. Therefore, tundra tires are manufactured with an emphasis on durability. They are made of thick rubber and reinforced sidewalls.
Airplanes That Use Tundra Tires
You won’t find tundra tires on commercial airliners. Commercial airliners typically land on, as well as take off from, paved runways. For maximum efficiency, commercial airliners use smaller tires with higher PSI levels.
Tundra tires are found on smaller airplanes, such as the Cessna 185. More specifically, they are found on airplanes tailored for bush flying. Remote regions like Alaska and northern parts of Canada often lack paved runways. To land in such regions, small airplanes are equipped with tundra tires.
A Staple for Bush Pilots
Tundra tires have become iconic in bush flying. They give pilots the confidence to tackle landings in remote spots, turning inaccessible places into viable destinations. For many, these tires are an essential safety measure, allowing for smoother landings and takeoffs in unpredictable settings.
In Conclusion
Not all airplanes use the same type of tires for their landing gear systems. While large airplanes typically feature Type III or Type VII tires, many smaller airplanes feature tundra tires. Tundra tires are low-pressure, medium- or large-size tires that are designed for rough terrain.
