For the UTV's tire upgrades, the team turned to a novel source for inspiration: the Baja off-road racing industry.
"There's a new approach to run-flat technology — called 'Tireballs,'" said Engstrom. "Inside each tire are 16 inflatable cells, so if any one cell pops from running over a spike or nail, you'd still have 15 other cells full of air to continue driving on."
This, said Engstrom, significantly enhances the UTV's operational readiness for Marines, allowing them to go farther for longer in the UTV. Along with the Tireballs, the team selected an upgraded tire from BF Goodrich that is more durable than the previous, exceeding performance requirements in various environments that mimic the challenging terrains Marines face.
"The Baja racers are using these tires now while completing 1000-mile races out in the desert," said Engstrom. "We decided it would be a good upgrade for Marines."