Size: 20 x 13.5 (total dimensions of the presentation with the model of the Space Shuttle in different positions), base: 15 x 8.9 cm, tire section: 7 x 5 x 2.9 cm.
Weight: 598 grs for the whole presentation. Tire fragment: 98 grs.
Manufacturer: BFGoodrich
Flown status: unflown.
Description: unflown section of a Space Shuttle tire.
Description: unflown section of a Space Shuttle tire.
BFGoodrich Tires and BFGoodrich-owned Cleveland Pneumatics developed the landing gear for NASA as a package. They began work in 1972 and went through two major design iterations before taking flight in 1981. Coming in at a whopping 34-ply rating, the second-generation tire’s task was to provide more payload ability, more crosswind reduction, more shock absorption, and more runway traction.
The tire presentation was assembled for BFGoodrich. The reason for there being so few of them is that they were just being given out at the time of the Challenger disaster and BFGoodrich pulled the plug on them.
It is not known how many were given out, but many of them were first sent to Japan. It is also assumed that some were kept by the headquarters and given to NASA people.
The plaque says: "First Space Shuttle Flight, April 12, 1981 Shuttle 'Columbia'. Tires, wheels and brakes for all space shuttles are supplied by BFGoodrich. The globe contains a section of an actual space shuttle tire."
The plaque says: "First Space Shuttle Flight, April 12, 1981 Shuttle 'Columbia'. Tires, wheels and brakes for all space shuttles are supplied by BFGoodrich. The globe contains a section of an actual space shuttle tire."
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