a resilient pneumatic tire which is reinforced by a radially stabilized compression element such that the vehicle on which the tire is mounted can be operated safely in an essentially normal manner regardless of the state of pressurization of the tire . the compression element can be a solid flexible band of high - strength metal or plastic , or can comprise a layered construction having at least a pair of concentric metal bands which have a resilient material sandwiched therebetween . the compression element is stabilized by radial means such as plies comprising radial cords or wires . the radial elements have freedom in shear with respect to one another and they share radial loads imposed on the compression element and tire such that they reinforce and stabilize the compression element and tire . alternately , the radial stabilizing means can be radial rib - like elements cast or formed integrally in the sidewall of the tire . the radially stabilized band behaves as a supple tensile element when the tire is operated in a pressurized condition , but acts as a stabilized structural compressive element for unpressurized operation .