much the same as the modern automobile wheel. As aircraft
tires were improved for the purpose they serve, they were
made stiffer to better absorb the forces of landing without
blowing out or separating from the rim. Stretching such
a tire over a single piece wheel rim was not possible. A
two-piece wheel was developed. Early two-piece aircraft
wheels were essentially one-piece wheels with a removable
rim to allow mounting access for the tire. These are still
found on older aircraft