The rudder torque capacity of the four ram steering gear illustrated, is rated at 44,210,000 inch-pounds with one power unit in operation. If the four ram system was able to be operated as a two ram system with both power units on line, what would be the available torque? GS-0067

Correct Answer: Option B — 22,105,000 inch pounds

Torque in a hydraulic steering system is proportional to the number of active rams. Operating a four-ram system as a two-ram system effectively halves the total effective piston area. Therefore, reducing the system from four rams to two results in exactly half the total rated torque capacity.