Mack, USAF hybrid truck rides on new Goodyear mixed-service tire

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AKRON, Ohio — A prototype hybrid U.S. Air Force aircraft refueler truck built on a Mack Truck chassis features a new mixed-service tire from The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.

Goodyear Unisteel G287 MSA tires (315/80R22.5) are mounted in the steer position on the 6,000-gallon refueler. Mack Trucks Inc. and the U.S. Air Force Advanced Power Technology Office developed the hybrid diesel-electric truck. Eight Goodyear Unisteel G286 tires (12R22.5) are mounted on the vehicle’s rear drive axles.

Mack Truck officials said an electric motor assists the diesel engine in accelerating and regenerates electricity during braking. Besides improved fuel economy, the technology offers reduced emissions and noise, longer brake system service intervals and lower overall operating costs.

The vehicle is referred to as a mild hybrid. The goal is to develop a full hybrid system that powers a heavy-duty truck with electric motors solely, Mack said.

A likely commercial use for full hybrid technology is on Mack refuse haulers, which dominate in North America with more than 70 per cent share of the segment, Mack said.

Goodyear’s mixed-service tires are designed for diverse applications, including the refuse and sanitation industry, according to Donn Kramer, director of Goodyear commercial tire marketing. For example, the G287 MSA tire is for trucks that travel mainly on highway and about 20 per cent off road. The robust G288 MSA spends about 80 per cent off road and the remainder on pavement.

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