What is the key benefit of using nitrogen for tire inflation in aircraft?

Using nitrogen for tire inflation in aircraft primarily helps prevent tire explosions due to its properties compared to air. Nitrogen is an inert gas, which means it does not support combustion and is less likely to react under high temperatures and pressures that aircraft tires may experience during takeoff and landing.

Additionally, nitrogen's smaller molecule size compared to oxygen means it has a lower permeability, reducing the rate of pressure loss in tires. This stability allows for more consistent tire performance and safety, as the risk of an explosion due to the tire overheating or being improperly inflated is significantly minimized.

Other options, although they may seem relevant, do not reflect the primary safety advantage. For instance, while nitrogen can help maintain tire pressure longer, leading to better performance over time, its fundamental role in preventing catastrophic failures like tire explosions is the most crucial benefit, especially in high-stakes aviation contexts.