Some numerical models are proposed for simulate the aircraft tire behaviour on the ground in critical situations. Fully coupled thermo-mechanical analysis procedures taking into account finite deformation, dynamics and frictional contact are studied; the visco-elasticity properties of the rubber were identified. A good agreement is observed at moderate speed, thus the model is extrapolated to high speeds and seems able to predict results in cases for which it is not possible to obtain realistic experimental data. In order to understand the thermal evolution of tire tread rubber materials during rolling and skidding steps, new experimental and numerical studies were also realized on tire tread rubber. The aim of this approach is to simulate and understand the effect of frictional heating on the tire behaviour.