French tyre maker Michelin has launched the Air X Sky Light, what it says is: a breakthrough in aircraft tyre innovation that has been developed in close collaboration with Dassault Aviation for its Falcon 10X business jet. Initially developed for the Falcon 10X, which was unveiled at a rollout event recently, the tyre is planned to be deployed across other commercial aircraft programs.
It is targeting weight reductions and service life increases of between 10% and 20% when its new Air X Sky Light tyres enter service on the Dassault Falcon 10X, for which deliveries are expected to start in late 2027.
The sidewall and bead area of the Sky Light tyres include next-generation hybrid cords and fabrics that Michelin said are both stronger and lighter than those used for earlier tyres. Additionally, the company has introduced new manufacturing techniques and redesigned the tread.
According to Michelin, the weight reduction will contribute to reduced fuel burn and carbon dioxide emissions. Due to the reduced wear of the Sky Light tyres, the company anticipates longer in-service life and reduced life cycle environmental impact.
Michelin launched the Sky Light tyres at the 2023 Paris Air Show and has worked closely with Dassault as work on the Falcon 10X has progressed, having previously provided tyres for the airframer’s fighters.
Michelin adds its aircraft tyres systematically integrate Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) into their design, evaluating environmental impacts from raw materials through end-of-life, in order to sustainably reduce their footprint on health, climate, natural resources, and biodiversity, in line with a responsible performance and circular economy approach.
Moreover, the increasing integration of materials from renewable sources and recycling streams is fully aligned with the Michelin Group’s ambition to achieve 100% renewable and recycled materials by 2050.