Most of the key components of aircrafts work in a complex loading environment that they are loaded by multi-axis force composed of tension or compression

bending moment and torque. The mechanical properties and fatigue life of key components have direct influence on the overall performance of the aeronautical system. Ensuring their safe and efficient service

it is necessary to test these properties under the load that close to the actual working conditions. In this paper

the elastomeric spheric thrust bearing (ESTB) is employed as the test object. Based on a 6–SPS parallel mechanism

a multi-axis loading device which is expected to simulate the ESTB’s actual working condition is developed. This device can load the ESTB with combined loading of pressure

bending moment and torque

and test the stiffness of the ESTB. The geometric parameters of the loading device were designed and its prototype was presented. Tests for compression

bending and torsional stiffness were conducted by the multi-axis loading device. Compared with the results obtained by traditional testing methods

the compression and torsional stiffness are in good agreement

but the bending stiffness is deviated because the traditional method didn’t eliminate the influence of axial force while applying bending moment. The tests prove multi-axis loading ability of the parallel mechanism. In addition

the stiffness characteristics of the ESTB under combined pressure-torque is initially explored. Finally

the applications of the parallel mechanism in material tests and loading moving targets are discussed

and a multi-axis loading theory system for material

component and system could be formed.