29 March 2016
Tundra, or bush, tyres are usually linked with flying in Alaska, Idaho and backcountry out of the way places. Not Europe. However French wheel and brake manufacturer Beringer will soon be offering a special lightweight tyre for use on European light sport aircraft.
The problem for light sport aircraft (LSAs) is the 600kg weight limit. A normal bush tyre is just too heavy when every kilo counts. For instance, the lightest tyre produced until now by Airframes Alaska is 9.5kg (21lb). But Beringer and Airframes Alaska have worked together to produce the first Ultralight Alaskan Bushwheel for use in France, Italy and some other European countries. It’s yet to be confirmed if that includes the UK.
“Unlike in the United States where bush pilots face fewer restrictions in backcountry flying, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) only allow LSA, or planes with a maximum take-off weight of 1320lb (600 kg), to land and take off outside of established runways in Europe,” said Airframe Alaska.
In May 2015 Beringer boss Gilbert Beringer approached Airframes Alaska with a proposition: Design and build an innovative Bushwheel light enough to run on European bush planes and Beringer Aero will conduct all the necessary performance tests before taking it to market.
The new bush tyre is 26in x 12in x 6in and has Kevlar cording, reengineered sidewalls that provide the ideal flex and energy absorption for lighter aircraft, and 0.150in tread claimed to slow wear even during long taxis on paved surfaces. The first order of 20 new Ultralight Bushwheels shipped from Alaska to France this month (March). Beringer Aero is the exclusive European distributor of the Ultralight Bushwheel.
