The Michelin Man must be proud. The company that introduced the world’s first radial aircraft tire–on the Dassault Mirage fighter in 1981–will provide its Air X radial tires for Dassault’s under-development Falcon 8X business jet, destined to become the French OEM’s next flagship.

“Michelin is the sole source supplier on the new Falcon 8X,” said Frank Moreau, president of Michelin Aircraft Tire (Booth 647). “We are proud to have been selected by Dassault Aviation as its official partner.”

Michelin’s radial tires with NZG (near zero growth) technology are designed to provide a long tire life and exceptional performance. The tire for the Falcon 8X, which is expected to have the same weight as the Michelin tire for the Falcon 7X, is designed to carry a 10-percent greater load and reach a 10-mph higher maximum speed. According to Michelin, NZG radial technology, when compared with bias-ply technology, provides the these advantages: up to 50 percent more FOD resistance; up to a 40-percent reduction in weight; and up to a 50-percent increase in the number of landings.

Michelin claims that its Air X radial tire is offered in more radial sizes than all other aircraft tire brands combined. This includes 19 tire sizes for business jets.