Abstract: An expandable steering system for an amphibious vehicle whose wheels move into retracted and deployed positions comprises a steering column connected to a steering wheel, a rack and pinion or recirculating ball mechanism connected to the column for moving the system, and a series of expandable shafts connected through gearboxes to the wheels. The shafts expand and contract as the wheels move through their retracted and deployed positions, and the angle at which the steering mechanism is connected to the wheels does not change as the wheels move.

Abstract: A fiber optic load sensor and method of forming the same are disclosed for sensing the load applied to a structural surface. The sensor comprises a length of fiber optic material disposed adjacent to the surface. The fiber optic material is connectable to a light source and to a light detector. The fiber optic material includes at least one curved portion deformable in response to the applied load. The curved portion is dimensioned such that the light passing through the fiber optic material is attenuated in linear relation to the deformation of the curved portion in response to the load applied to the surface.