Nitrogen in Tires

[Terry M.]

Re: Nitrogen in Tires

I'm not sure what the time frame for the introduction of the SR71 was, but when I served in the Air Force we used nitrogen in F106 tires circa 1960.

[Joe L.]

Re: Nitrogen in Tires

I'm not sure what the time frame for the introduction of the SR71 was, but when I served in the Air Force we used nitrogen in F106 tires circa 1960.

Terry-----


The A-12, the predecessor of the more well known SR-71, first flew in 1962. I thought it was the first to use nitrogen in its tires but if the F-106 used it, then it wasn't. The F-106 was definitely flying before the A-12 and SR-71.

[Gary S.]

Re: Nitrogen in Tires

OK, as a commercial airline pilot, I have to add my two cents here. It is my understanding that one of the reasons tha N2 is used in lieu of pressurized air is the ability to conduct a combustible mixture. I can remember, years ago, when airliners would have a tire failure while sitting at the gate. Obviously, nitrogen will not conduct a fire of any sort. This discussion of N versus O in tires really negates the arguement of whether or not is seeps through the tire. Me? I use good old American compressed air.

[Terry M.]

Re: Nitrogen in Tires

I only did maintenance (electronic at that) in the Air Force, but I thought part of the reason for N2 in aircraft tires was in case the tire(s) blew on landing, or during brake application the N2 did not feed the fire. Are we saying the same thing Gary?

[Gary S.]

Re: Nitrogen in Tires

I only did maintenance (electronic at that) in the Air Force, but I thought part of the reason for N2 in aircraft tires was in case the tire(s) blew on landing, or during brake application the N2 did not feed the fire. Are we saying the same thing Gary?

Terry, I wasn't smart enough to call myself anything other than a pilot but I do agree with you. We are singing from the same sheet of music.

Gary

[Duke W.]

Re: Nitrogen in Tires

I agree that the primary reason for using nitrogen in aircraft tires is to reduce the potential fire hazard of oxygen bearing compressed air at high pressure.

Also, the cold temperature of high altitude can cause even the small amount of water vapor in low relative humidity ground level air to condense and freeze, which could cause problems if a rapid decent and emergency landing was required.

The hokus pokus about molecule sizes is pure bunk.

Duke

[Jim T.]

Re: Nitrogen in Tires

Terry, the Air Force's SR71 was about 1964. Myself first learned about the "Blackbird" in 1967 from a co-worker. Have always remembered what he said about how the Blackbird leaked fuel sitting on the ground. The aircraft was made allowing for heat expansion of the metal and the aircraft surfaces were so hot when it returned that it could not be touched.

[Michael H.]

Re: Nitrogen in Tires

Terry, the Air Force's SR71 was about 1964. Myself first learned about the "Blackbird" in 1967 from a co-worker. Have always remembered what he said about how the Blackbird leaked fuel sitting on the ground. The aircraft was made allowing for heat expansion of the metal and the aircraft surfaces were so hot when it returned that it could not be touched.

That's a true story. The leaks went away when the wing temp increased and returned when it cooled.

[Terry M.]

Re: Nitrogen in Tires

I too heard that story. One of these days I have to get over to Dayton to the museum there. My old outfit has their logo on display. You guys are making me all nostalgic for those good old days, and you will get me started on the cars we had back then.

[John M.]

Re: Nitrogen in Tires

Thanks for the great comments fellas. When I asked this question I was sitting in the "luxury" ($$$$) customer lounge of our local Chevrolet dealership while waiting for service to be completed on my wife's Malibu. While waiting I was logged into this Tech Forum on one of the available internet ready computer stations. While I was browsing the threads here, the service rep came in and asked if I wanted the air in the tires changed to Nitrogen, and gave me a brochure. I declined the offer, and cost, as I kinda view it as VooDoo and unnecessary for general normal automobile use. Since I was logged in here though, I thought I 'd put the question before a great bunch of sharp minds and see what others thought.

Save the Wave ......... JGM