Patria Group is displaying the Patria AMV with Nokian Tires. The pics reminded me of an old story. Long ago the US Army offered the Marine Corps some fatter rubber to go on the LAV-25. The tires would give a softer ride, improved traction and better flotation.
The Marine Corps turned them down.
Why?
Wear rate was unacceptable and the scuttlebutt was that it would cause Marines to be changing tires left and right because supposedly they were also more easily punctured.
It the story true?
I have no idea.
But it does point out a little talked about factor when it comes to wheeled vehicles...at least military vehicles.
A good set of tires can make all the difference.
It's kinda funny too. If you ever check out an offroading forum then the discussion of tires takes up tons of pages. Everyone has opinions on which tire is best and what's king in the South for mudding will be frowned upon in the West because they do mostly rock crawling.
I've rarely if ever heard the idea of different tires being needed for different environments discussed when it comes to military vehicles.
I think we're missing an important piece of the puzzle if we're gonna get the most out of a wheeled IFV for the Corps if we don't start talking tires!
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