Method and system for testing performance of flight control surface systems

A system for loading a device, the system comprising:

• a platform;
• and
• a load application system comprising a plurality of load systems attached to the platform, each of the plurality of load systems comprising:
• a frame;
• and
• a linkage system connected to the frame, wherein the linkage system comprises:
• a support member connected to the frame;
• an actuating member connected to the frame;
• and
• a load member that is movably connected to the actuating member, the support member, and the device, wherein operation of the actuating member when the load member is connected to the device loads the device;
• and
• a load measurement device, associated with the load member, for measuring a load applied to the device by the load member.

A method for loading a device, the method comprising:

• identifying a load profile to be applied to the device by a linkage system that includes a support member, a load member, and an actuating member;
• determining a value for a setting of an actuator of the actuating member based on the load profile;
• and
• operating the actuator with the setting having the value determined such that a load is applied to a control surface of the device via the load member, wherein the load applied to the control surface is determined by both the value for the setting of the actuator and a geometry of the linkage system.