Wyandotte, Michigan -- BASF Polyurethane Solutions has entered into an agreement with Dynamic Runflats Inc. (DRI) to manufacture run-flat tyre components and systems for military and other applications, a 2 March BASF statement said.
BASF will contribute its proprietory elastomer technology, Elastocast, which will be moulded into specially designed parts and inserted into tyres and held in place by BASF's polyurethane foam technology, Elastofoam. The Elastocast inserts allow a driver to maintain control of the vehicle if air pressure is lost in the tyre until a repair can be undertaken, BASF said.
According to BASF, the PU technology has passed rigorous testing to meet military requirements and showed ballistic-resistant properties. "Even 50 caliber rounds pass through without affecting the runflat," the statement said.
"DRI selected the BASF polyurethane technology because it truly stood out and performed better than any other technology available today," said Mike Marquart, general manager of DRI, adding that the run-flat tyre is 60-percent faster to install than current technology and requires no special tools, "which is is important in military theatre operations."
Dynamic Runflats is a wholly owned subsidiary of Defense Venture Group. (RD)
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