Runflat - Runflat Tyre Systems

Runflat capability – the means of driving on with one or more tyres damaged - is an essential element of military, police, commercial security and NGO vehicles operating in high-risk areas of the world.

MILITARY RUNFLAT SYSTEMS

The traditional military runflat system was a choice between a specially made thick wall combat tyre or a solid rubber insert forced into military tread pattern tyres. Both were too heavy for modern suspension systems, gave poor mileages at inflated pressures and were difficult to fit and service in the field.

The modern runflat solution is to fit the Runflat International Limited made Tyre Support Inserts (TSI®) into standard production tyres. This gives all the advantages of the modern pneumatic tyre - good suspension, comfortable ride and highly inflated mileage - with the added benefit of runflat capability with one or more tyres damaged.

TYRE SUPPORT INSERTS (TSI^®) RUNFLAT SYSTEM

RFI are the world leaders in the design and manufacture of TSI runflat systems for all categories of military, police, VIP and standard production vehicles. They are made in a special elastomer material with high mechanical and ballistic shock absorption capabilities.

The systems are fitted to the wheel supplied by the vehicle manufacturer and can be made for wheel diameters from 14in on saloons and sedans, through the range of 4x4 and light vans, to 22.5in wheels on military and commercial trucks.

TSI runflat systems exceed the US Military and NATO 50km runflat distance standard without the need for elaborate and expensive fitting facilities.

Other important advantages of the RFI TSI system over competing runflat systems include:

LIGHTWEIGHT RUNFLAT SYSTEM

Modern vehicle suspension systems demand the minimum unsprung weight - that is weight of the wheels - and payload. RFI TSI systems are on average 30% less weight than equivalent rubber tyre inserts. The result is less wear on suspension and braking systems.

EASIEST TO FIT RUNFLAT INSERT AVAILABLE

The RFI TSI runflat system is the easiest to fit runflat insert available. The fitting process was developed in consultation with armoured vehicle builders and users throughout the world. No special training or equipment is needed for fitting or for replacing the system on tyre changes.

ENHANCED RUNFLAT PERFORMANCE

The runflat performance of competitive fixed runflat inserts, even with tyres treated with grease is adversely affected by ambient temperature and wheel load and seriously affects steering and handling with two front tyres deflated. The rotary action design of the RFI TSI on the other hand, does away with the need for excessive greasing of tyres and gives greater runflat distance than fixed runflats under the same trial conditions.

ADAPTABILITY TO MEET PARTICULAR RUNFLAT OPERATING CONDITIONS

TSI systems are designed to match a particular tyre size and a given range of operating conditions. The design process takes account of vehicle load, ambient temperature and road conditions.

REPEATED RUNFLAT USE

In many cases, subject to inspection by the fitting agency, TSI systems can be returned to service if the runflat incident does not involve firearms or explosives. If replacement tyres are not immediately available accidental punctures can be repaired, the TSI system reinstalled and the wheel assembly returned to service.

RFI RANGE OF RUNFLAT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

• Lightweight TSI systems for high performance VIP limousines and escort vehicles fitted with standard and low-profile tyres
• High-impact resistant TSI systems for armoured military, police multi-piece wheels
• High-impact TSI systems for the new generation 15º taper ALV 17.5in, 19.5in and 22.5in wheels
• Beadlocks for multi-piece wheel rims
• 20in single-piece replacement wheel rims for military and commercial security vehicles replacing three-piece wheels and permit rapid fitting and refitting of TSI systems anywhere in the world with the minimum of tools
• Advice of the choice of TSI systems for different operating conditions throughout the world - RFI’s design policy is one of continuous development to meet the changing threats to vehicles operating in high-risk areas. This accumulated experience is available to our customers

Spell out the runflat problem and we will find the solution.