To improve the measurement accuracy in wind tunnel experiments for short blunt model which has larger axial force and shorter model length such as landing patrol device and lunar return cabin. A six-component large axial force strain gauge balance based on complex structure was developed. The complex structure balance was compact design and has larger axial force capacity compare with the conventional series structure balance, meanwhile, the complex structure balance could be installed in the model lumen completely to reduce the influence of temperature. The results of numerical simulation indicate that the mean strain, sensitivity and strength of complex structure balance meet the measurement requirements of the wind tunnel experiments. Calibration data show that the accuracy of the complex structure balance is less than 2. 1%, which satisfied the technical index of National Military Standard.