Wide Whites on a MIG 31?

[Sherman 18]

A friend is building a kit of a MIG 31 and he found this photo that shows wide white walls on one. He was asking me why, and I really don't know. Only thing I could think of it was for some review or something along those lines. Does anyone else know?

 

[chukw]

It could mean that the tires are electrically conductive and ground the aircraft. Likewise, it could be to shield the tires from the degrading effects of sunlight. Just educated guesses- to be taken with a grain of salt.

 

[SA Dave]

Pimp Mobile? (Sorry I could not resist) :evil:

 

[jknaus]

I'll have to research, but I think they are hi temp tires. Just like the SR-71 had special tires that were designed to withstand hi temperatures that these a/c incur through friction.

James

 

[Sharkmouth]

I'll have to research, but I think they are hi temp tires. Just like the SR-71 had special tires that were designed to withstand hi temperatures that these a/c incur through friction.
James

The SR-71 tires were impregnated with metal and had a metallic sheen. The white walls in this case seem to be for ceremony but I am not sure and have asked a Foxhound enthusiast for his opinion. This is the first MiG-31 I see with white wall tires.

Regards,

 

[Iron Mike]

Two possible answers.

1. In Cuban service?

OR

2. Because they could?

B)

 

[Paulw]

La Bomba! A low rider Mig.

 

[Sharkmouth]

The white walls in this case seem to be for ceremony but I am not sure and have asked a Foxhound enthusiast for his opinion.

He got back to me and it is indeed to protect the rubber from the elements during storage.

Regards,