Popping a Hole in High-Speed Pursuits

About this technology

Overview

Plum Brook Station's test facilities and NASA's engineering experience were combined to improve a family of tire deflating devices (TDDs) that helps law enforcement agents safely, simply, and successfully stop fleeing vehicles with impromptu roadblocks during high-speed pursuits. Phoenix International, Ltd., has been manufacturing and marketing the MagnumSpike!T spike-lined TDDs to law enforcement since 1986, but prior to working with NASA, the spikes were inadvertently being knocked onto the roadways whenever tires from fleeing cars and trucks were deflated by the device. The small, woman-owned company needed a mechanism to keep the spikes in place until they are ready for release. It was introduced to a Glenn Research Center engineer, who evaluated the MagnumSpike! in order to understand and control the variables preventing repeatable, reliable performance. His analysis, and further analysis from Plum Brook Station and a Cleveland-based engineering firm, provided Phoenix International with recommendations on alterations to the current mechanism that can provide a precise, friction-free release of the spikes. The new, improved MagnumSpike! has been field tested and pursuit proven" as the ultimate weapon against high-speed chases. It swiftly and safely stops everything from 18-wheelers to compact vehicles even vehicles equipped with new self-sealing and run-flat tires."