One can seriously believe in the new technology that pops up, once there is a solid interest within the military, and more so when NASA decides to use this technology in space. A recent example of this, are the air chamber free tires, immune to punctures and inadequate pressure.



The Michelin Tweel has generated a number of debates since its first demonstration in 2006. Many turn their noses up to its flexible structure and even more so to its rubber esthetics, which are rather unattractive. Nevertheless, NASA believes in the potential of the structure as being good enough to literally roll through lunar surfaces. This is why it was chosen to equip the Small Pressurized Luner Rover, which will be the next candidate to transit around our satellite.



Its invulnerability to shots and tears, up to a certain point of course, attracted the attention of the American Army which consolidated the partnership with Resilient Technologies to develop tires with a similar structure. For the future final consumer, this can generate other advantages: fewer maintenance expenses and the possibility of eliminating the cumbersome spare tire to provide more room for other purposes.



[Michelin / Jalopnik]