Nokian MPT Agile 2, designed in collaboration with the Finnish Defence Forces, is the new version of the already field-proven Nokian MPT Agile off-road tyre, offering several improvements over the original.
New Off Road Tyre from Nokian
The collaboration between Nokian Tyres and the Finnish Defence Forces in designing high mobility all-terrain tyres goes back several decades. The Nordic conditions provide plenty of challenges for tyres – ranging from snow and ice to mud, sharp rocks and other obstacles.
“The key for a good off-road vehicle tyre is versatility”, says Teppo Siltanen, Product Manager at Nokian Heavy Tyres. “The tyre has to work on roads as well as on soft terrain – or anywhere the job at hand takes you.”
As the name implies, another design driver of the new Nokian MPT Agile 2 was manoeuvrability. Not only military applications but for example firefighting and other rescue operations require precise steering at sometimes high speeds.
“We are very pleased with the steering response and stability Nokian MPT Agile 2 offers”, Siltanen smiles. “It is also quiet and comfortable to drive on road.
“The original Nokian MPT Agile has proven its worth many times over”, he adds. “However, through extensive product development and rigorous field tests we managed to make a better tyre.”
The most significant change is the symmetrical tread pattern which performs equally well regardless of the tyres’ rotational direction. But the more modern design also results in improved vertical and lateral grip on soft surfaces, better self-cleaning properties as well as more winter grip. Also, the sidewalls now have a camouflage pattern.
“The new design has larger footprint than the previous version, resulting in better flotation and smaller surface pressure – all desirable qualities on a soft terrain”, says Siltanen. “There is also less heat build-up improving the tyre operating life.”
An important aspect for extreme winter conditions is the ability to use studs. Nokian MPT Agile 2 comes with pre-marked stud locations for both military and civilian use.
Naturally, the new Nokian MPT Agile 2 is expected to find users in military but the tire’s versatility doesn’t end there.
“Besides defense and peacekeeping applications, the tyre lends itself to many civilian uses as well”, Teppo Siltanen explains. “Heavy rescue vehicles such as airport fire engines, off-road trucks and other all-terrain vehicles can all benefit from the grip, reliability and good handling offered by Nokian MPT Agile 2.”
