Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a preload of a fastener. The method, which may be practiced at least in part by the apparatus, includes establishing an initial value associated with an absence of the preload of the fastener and providing an adapter and a transducer rotatably coupled to the adapter. The transducer may be positioned in contact with the fastener. The transducer is caused to direct an incident ultrasonic wave to the fastener and to receive a reflected ultrasonic wave from the fastener. Data associated with the incident ultrasonic wave and the reflected sonic wave is used to generate a modified value associated with the preload of the fastener, and the preload of the fastener is calculated based on a difference between the initial value and the modified value.

Abstract: A body spoiler rotatably mounted within a recess formed within opposite sides of the forebody of a supersonic air vehicle and configured to conform with the fuselage of the vehicle. A sensor positioned close to the inlet of each engine powering the flight of the vehicle measures the pressure of the fluid entering the engine. If an engine on one side of the vehicle malfunctions, the pressure sensor sends a deploy signal to the body spoiler mounted on the same side of the vehicle. An actuator receives the deploy signal and rotates the spoiler through an angle which is dependent upon the speed of the vehicle. When deployed, the spoiler generates a shock wave which in turn produces pressure along the forebody thereby creating a yaw moment to substantially counterbalance the yaw moment generated by the malfunctioning engine.