ELIMINATION OF THE AUTOMOBILE SPARE WHEEL and maintenance of vehicle control/mobility during and after tyre deflation are important objectives. The DENOVO tyre/wheel system with runflat capability offers a potential means of obtaining these goals. The system combines tyre/wheel geometric design; positive location of bead to rim; an internal lubricant system and special rubber compounding. Field experience over 2-1/2 years has confirmed its technical viability, establishing a minimum performanace of 50 miles at 40 mph in the deflated mode. Work on weight and cost reduction is proceeding.
