Abstract: Apparatus for applying bending load to an axle of an aircraft landing gear. The apparatus comprises a dummy wheel having a dummy wheel bearing; and a load tool having a convex outer surface which is configured to engage the dummy wheel when in use so as to bend the axle via the dummy wheel bearing. The dummy wheel is shaped to enable it to roll over the convex outer surface of the load tool as the axle bends. The load tool has a load tool bearing which permits the load tool to move as it bends the axle. One or more sensors are provided to sense the load applied to the axle; and one or more sensors are provided to sense the response of the axle to the applied load.

Abstract: A method of applying a test load to a landing gear mounted on an aircraft, the method comprising parking the aircraft with at least one tire of the landing gear on a platform; and moving the platform so as to apply the test load to the landing gear via the tire. An array of six platforms is mounted on a sliding chassis in a recessed oil bath. The platforms can be independently rotated to apply torque. The spacing between the platforms can be adjusted to adapt for different landing gear configurations.

Abstract: A threaded fastener adapted to be threaded into a workpiece only to a predetermined torque is provided which includes a pair of frangible lugs mounted on the fastener head and engageable by a specialized driving tool. The tool is used to initially engage the lugs to partially spread the latter apart and frictionally couple the driver and fastener so as to facilitate insertion of the fastener; when the fastener is fully threaded into the workpiece, excess torque applied through the driver causes the lugs to cleanly break off from the head, thus presenting a tamper-proof connection. The lugs can be mounted directly on the fastener head or on an annular mounting element frangibly secured to the head itself. The tool includes a head of generally circular cross section having a pair of radially outwardly extending cam projections which engage the fastener lugs during driving operations.