Recent satellite imagery reveals more details of the unique measures Russia has taken in hopes of protecting its long-range bombers against Ukrainian attacks. Sattelites images reveal that Russia is placing tires on the upper surfaces of the aircraft in various patterns.
I think the idea would be to take the tires off again before you take off.
If they were tires, they would be taken off before the plane started moving. Not when it gets to the runway.
D’oh!