Method and apparatus for applying bending load to an axle of an aircraft landing gear

摘要

Apparatus for applying bending load to an axle of an aircraft landing gear. The apparatus comprises a dummy wheel (4) having a dummy wheel bearing (15); and a load tool (5) having a convex outer surface (47) which is configured to engage the dummy wheel (4) when in use so as to bend the axle (10) via the dummy wheel bearing (15). The dummy wheel (4) is shaped to enable it to roll over the convex outer surface (47) of the load tool (5) as the axle (10) bends. The load tool (5) has a load tool bearing which permits the load tool to move as it bends the axle (10). 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.