[neilep (OP)]

Hi Peeps,

This is me holding some tyres:

 [ Invalid Attachment ]

Sorry, it was a bad day and ewe just have to take me as I am !!

What i'd like to know is do you think there will ever be an alternative to an air filled tyre ?.......do ewe know of any development researching this ?

Are they good reasons why no alternative exists ?

I do know there have been solid tyres...but I am referring to something like a foam or something else solid-but-light inside, that is puncture resistant !

[another_someone]

http://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/index.php?topic=7530.msg86253#msg86253

[paulthree]

There are various foams and mooses on the market which can be used to quickly and temporarily repair punctures - They are often used in motor racing, particularly rallying, where the tyre is filled automatically if a puncture is detected - Somewhat like the expanding foam used in the building trade to fill large gaps in walls etc, but more flexible.

[JimBob]

I believe both the US and British armies use tyres (note the deference to your country of origin) that are solid on their wheeled armored vehicles. Someone should know about that. I don't.

[another_someone]

I believe both the US and British armies use tyres (note the deference to your country of origin) that are solid on their wheeled armored vehicles. Someone should know about that. I don't.

I might be wrong, but I did not think this was the case - rather they used tyres with very low pressures (thus spreading the load better - giving better grip on soft terrain, at the expense of greater rolling resistance). 

http://www.gizmag.com/go/4277/

Special run-flat tires with central tire inflation offer the crew added mobility when under fire.

[neilep (OP)]

THANK YOU ALL for your kind replies.

I assume though...that although alternatives do exist that they are simply not viable/durable/safe/economical for every day use on your car and mine...and bikes and bicycles ?

[Karen W.]

Hi Peeps,

This is me holding some tyres:

 [ Invalid Attachment ]

Sorry, it was a bad day and ewe just have to take me as I am !!

What i'd like to know is do you think there will ever be an alternative to an air filled tyre ?.......do ewe know of any development researching this ?

Are they good reasons why no alternative exists ?

I do know there have been solid tyres...but I am referring to something like a foam or something else solid-but-light inside, that is puncture resistant !

whooooowhoooo! Well now you best be leaving your address so as I can come visit you you handsome hunk you!! LOL.....HEE HEE HEE..YEE HAW!!!!!!

[Atomic-S]

It was reported in a newspaper article a while back, that the Humvee was available to the military with run-flat tires, which normally are inflated but which have some sort of an inner structure that allows them to continue running if they lose pressure.

Also, railroads have used non-inflated wheels for centuries.