I have a friend who was on 14 Sqn at Bruggen(?) in the late 80's (he was on airframes). He can remember being in the alert hangar with the aircraft loaded with instant sunshine. The pilot noted to the crew chief that the main wheel tyres wouldnt take another landing. The Chiefy without batting an eyelid said that if he took off with the plane loaded as it was he wouldnt need them for a landing. "Good point" said the winged hero.
Urban Legend? Probably but a good story nonetheless.