DCD of South Africa has tested Tyron runflat system on Springbuck armored.

During a recent series of demonstrations and trials by DCD Protected Mobility of South Africa, the company fitted Tyron All Terrain Rubber runflats (the ATR-MP), to its Springbuck 4x4 wheeled Armoured Personnel Carrier to ensure the vehicle could keep moving in the event of a sudden deflation.

DCD Protected Mobility Springbuck APC being hit by an IED during trials earlier this year. The vehicle was able to keep moving even though its tyres were flat because it was fitted with Tyron ATR Runflats. (Picture source Defence Web via ADS)

During the demonstrations, which focused on route clearance, the Springbuck set off a simulated IED before coming under attack from enemy forces. At all times the vehicle was able to keep moving even though its tyres were no longer inflated as the Tyron ATR Runflats ensured that the damaged tires were still locked to the wheel and didn’t spin independently of the wheel. The runflat also ensured that the vehicle was still running on rubber which not only gave the vehicle traction but reduced the physical stress on the crew.

“We have chosen to fit Tyron ATR Multi-Part Runflats as they ensure traction is maintained and the vehicle able to keep moving for many kilometers at speed. In addition, the logistic burden for our users is significantly reduced as changing the tires does not require any specialist tools,” said Cornelius Grundling, General Manager of DCD Protected Vehicles.

The Tyron ATR wheel assembly has a unique multi-part rubber runflat fitted to its partner, Global Wheels two-part bolt-together steel wheels. This system is locally manufactured specifically for the Springbuck APC.

The Tyron All Terrain Rubber runflat is not only a multi-piece unit but also successfully passed ballistic tests. Emphasis was placed on the connections to ensure that under severe ballistic attack the ATR is not compromised as rubber absorbs far more energy than hard materials from kerb strikes and IEDs.

The Global Wheels bolt-together wheels are available in both steel and aluminum, the rubber of the ATR is enhanced to ensure beadlock, which offers a guaranteed high level off-road flat tire performance which is not possible with composite runflats.