What is significant about the tires used in aircraft landing gear?

The tires used in aircraft landing gear are filled with nitrogen to reduce blowout risk, which is a critical safety measure for several reasons. Nitrogen is less likely to expand and contract with temperature changes compared to regular air, which makes it more stable under the high pressures and varying temperatures experienced during flight operations. This stability significantly lowers the chances of a tire bursting due to overheating, especially during landing when friction generates a considerable amount of heat.

Moreover, filling tires with nitrogen helps maintain consistent pressure levels over longer periods of time as it decreases the likelihood of moisture accumulation, which can affect tire integrity and performance. This practice contributes to safer landings and overall reliability of the aircraft during operations.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the practical design and operational standards for aircraft tires. For instance, although tires are indeed designed to withstand extreme heat, this alone does not encompass the critical risk mitigation aspect that nitrogen filling provides. The concept of adjusting tires during flight is not feasible, as landing gear is not designed for on-the-fly adjustments, and while air can be used for tire inflation, it is not the preferred choice due to the stability benefits offered by nitrogen.