Introduction

One of key features of the Stryker vehicle family is its mobility. Ground mobility is ensured by 8 wheels (front four steerable) with hydro-pneumatic suspension, a height-management system (with 9 inches of movement for ground clearance or aircraft loading) and self-correcting features that adjust the vehicles balance depending on the terrain and the vehicles position. Stopping the ~18 tonne Stryker is ensured by air-power brakes with anti-lock brake system (ABS) on the rear 3 axles. CTIS (Central Tire Inflation System) adjusts the tire pressure every 30 seconds depending on 4 different terrain settings; road, terrain, sand, emergency. It also features driver initiated inflation on the move.

The tires on the Stryker family of vehicles are Michelin XML 12.00R20 tires with Hutchinson run-flat liners.

The specifications of these tires are:
• Overall Width: 12.2"
• Overall Diameter: 44.5"
• Load radius: 20.7"
• Max tire Load at 62 mph is 7165 lbs at 105 psi
• Estimated XML tire assembly weight: 280 lbs

Run-Flat Capability (theoretical): 150 miles at 50 mph
(Worst case scenario - all four tires shot out on one side)

Ballistic Capability against the following ballistic threats:
• 0.44lb PMN mine 75 miles at 50 mph
• 30 mm HE round 75 miles at 50 mph
• 30 mm KE round 75 miles at 50 mph
• M74 Bomblet 75 miles at 50 mph

Price per tire: up to $ 1452,45.

Critics of the Stryker point to its large exposed wheels as being vulnerable to even relatively light weapons fire. The metal backing of the wheels behind the tires is not armored. While the tires are “run-flats”, damage to one or more will still require the vehicle to return to base rather than continue with its mission.

The review

Voyager Model provides a replacement set of 8 light gray resin wheels for the large family of Trumpeters Stryker kits. Also included is a small PE fret with appropriate wheel hub brackets and wheel rings as well as rudimentary instructions. The casting is perfect. There are no air bubbles, defects, warping of any kind, just a small molding stub that needs to be removed. Every detail is clearly defined and sharply casted and has pronounced sidewall writings – Michelin X and XML on both sides. On some wheels there are a few sink marks near the center of the hub (rear side) but that will be invisible once the wheels are mated to the model. The sidewalls are finely embossed and feature bulges in all the right places.
The rear of the wheels are already fitted with the mounting hubs for the Trumpeter kits, but could also be made to fit the AFV club kits with significant surgery involved.
The PE fret is a nice touch; however bending of the wheel rings will need some attention. Annealing the fret in lighter flame will help in bending the proper diameter of the PE parts.

Conclusion

This is a great replacement set for anyone looking to swap the kit vinyl tires which are prone to cracking when painted with certain types of colors and aging. If you can find it for a decent price, go for it!

References

Stryker Combat Vehicles (New Vanguard), Osprey Publishing,Gordon L. Rottman, ISBN-10: 1841769304

Development of Ballistic Resistant Airless 20 Inch Wheels for the Interim Armored Vehicle (IAV) and future Combat Systems (FCS)