The magic that is aeroplane tyres

One of the facts I found surprising when I started flying was the small size of the aeroplane tyres. Even the small planes weigh about a tonne yet the size of their tyres is like that of a wheelbarrow.

The situation isn’t much different on the larger planes. A Boeing 737 has a 16.5 inch rim which is really the size of the rim on a mid-sized sports utility vehicle. Of course when you add the tyre the total wheel diameter is larger but still a lot less than what you would expect from what is essentially the only thing supporting 80-tonne plane.