GL-1791B – Aero Classics Inner Tube 17.00-16
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The Aero Classics GL-1791B is a high-performance, heavy-duty inner tube specifically engineered for use with 17.00-16 tube-type (TT) aircraft tires. In the rigorous environment of aviation ground operations, the inner tube is the primary pressure-vessel component, responsible for maintaining consistent inflation and structural volume within the tire carcass. The GL-1791B is manufactured using an advanced rubber compound that provides superior air retention and resistance to the extreme temperature fluctuations encountered during the transition from high-altitude cruise to high-energy braking on landing.
Designed to meet or exceed OEM specifications, this Aero Classics tube features a reinforced valve stem base to prevent "tear-away" failures during the high-torque transients of touchdown. The wall thickness is precision-calibrated to ensure uniform expansion, minimizing the risk of "thin spots" that can lead to explosive decompression. This tube is the essential companion for legacy and modernized heavy aircraft utilizing 16-inch wheel hubs, providing a reliable hermetic seal against the rim and tire interface.
Key Features
Advanced Butyl Rubber Compound: Formulated for low permeability, significantly reducing "pressure creep" and the frequency of nitrogen top-offs compared to natural rubber tubes.
Reinforced Valve Stem Interface: The valve stem is vulcanized with a high-strength rubber-to-metal bond, engineered to withstand the centrifugal forces and vibration inherent in 160+ MPH ground rolls.
Superior Heat Resistance: Capable of maintaining structural integrity even when subjected to the radiant heat generated by aircraft brake assemblies during heavy-load taxiing.
Uniform Wall Gauge: Precision-molded to eliminate variations in thickness, ensuring an even distribution of stress across the tube's surface under high-pressure inflation.
Anti-Chafe Surface Finish: Treated to reduce friction between the tube and the tire's inner liner, preventing "chafing" and premature wear during the radial deflection of the tire.
Technical Specifications
Part Number: GL-1791B
Manufacturer: Aero Classics
Size: 17.00-16
Valve Type: TR-15 or equivalent (Verify stem angle/length for specific wheel hub clearance)
Material: Specialized Low-Permeability Synthetic Rubber
Compatible Tires: 17.00-16 10-Ply to 14-Ply ratings (e.g., Goodyear 176C26B1)
Application: Tube-Type (TT) Main Landing Gear
Certification: FAA-PMA or TSO-C62 compliant (where applicable)
Aircraft Compatibility
Douglas DC-3 / C-47: Primary main gear inner tube for classic and turboprop (BT-67) variants.
Beechcraft 18 (C-45): Compatible with heavy-duty 16-inch wheel conversions.
Military Legacy Transports: Used in various radial-engine and early turboprop utility aircraft.
Note: The Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) and the Wheel/Tire Assembly IPC are the final authorities for verifying tube and tire compatibility.
Applications
The GL-1791B is utilized for Internal Pressure Retention in 17.00-16 wheel assemblies. Its role is to bridge the gap between the tire carcass and the wheel rim, ensuring a gas-tight seal that supports the aircraft’s weight. It is a critical component for any operator utilizing the 17.00-16 tire size, particularly in remote or austere environments where tubeless wheel sealing is difficult to maintain.
Why Choose GL-1791B?
Choosing Aero Classics ensures that your inner tube is manufactured with aviation-grade quality control, which far exceeds industrial or automotive standards. A "will-fit" industrial tube may lack the tensile strength and heat dissipation properties required for aviation, leading to "fold-over" failures or valve stem separation during the high rotational speeds of takeoff. The GL-1791B is proof-tested to ensure it can handle the rapid expansion cycles of high-altitude operations without losing its elastic memory.
The GL-1791B operates as a pneumatic bladder within a constrained volume. The engineering challenge of a 17.00-16 tube lies in its elongation at break and modulus of resilience. Because the tire carcass deflects significantly during landing impact (radial compression), the inner tube must expand and contract rapidly without developing stress-corrosion cracking or "cold-flow" deformations. The butyl rubber used in the GL-1791B provides an exceptionally high damping coefficient, which assists in absorbing the high-frequency vibrations of the spinning wheel. Furthermore, the tube's chemistry is optimized to remain flexible at -55°C, ensuring that it does not become brittle and crack during extended flight at high altitudes before being subjected to the mechanical shock of landing.
Note: This is a flight-critical component. Prior to installation, the tube should be slightly inflated and inspected for leaks or surface defects. Always use an approved tire lubricant or talc to prevent the tube from sticking to the tire carcass, which can cause "pinching" and failure. Ensure the valve stem is properly aligned with the wheel's valve hole to prevent shear stress. Installation must be performed by a certified A&P mechanic in accordance with FAA AC 43.13-1B and the tire manufacturer’s care and maintenance manual.