What are the effects of under-inflation on aircraft tires?

Under-inflation of aircraft tires has several detrimental effects, and option B highlights the most significant issues associated with this condition. When tires are not properly inflated, they can experience increased flexing as they rotate, generating excess heat. This heat can lead to internal damage to the tire structure, which may not be immediately visible but can compromise the integrity of the tire over time. Additionally, under-inflated tires tend to wear unevenly, as more of the tread comes into contact with the ground than intended, leading to premature tire failure.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the consequences of under-inflation. Improved grip on runways is typically associated with proper inflation; under-inflation can actually reduce grip due to less effective contact with the runway surface. Heightened fuel consumption is a likely outcome of increased rolling resistance caused by under-inflated tires, but it is not the most direct consequence. Lastly, tire life is generally shortened by under-inflation, not extended, because the wear rates and internal damage increase significantly as a result of improper pressure. Thus, the correct focus is on the dangerous combination of heat damage and uneven tread wear.