Renegotiating aero engine

Press, Issue 32535, 19 February 1971, Page 9

Renegotiating aero engine

iN.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) LONDON, February 18. The chairman of the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation said yesterday that he had come to Britain to renegotiate parts of the RB-211 engine contract with Rolls-Royce and the British Government

Mr Daniel Haughton told journalists on arrival at London Airport from Los Angeles: "I came over here to renegotiate the contract in certain respects. “But I did not say I would pay any more for the engine. “I don’t want you to imply that I came here with my pockets full of money,” he told reporters. Mr Haughton told journalists, "be sure we are seriously studying alternative engines. “We must. I am sure you understand that. “But I hope very much that we can work something out here so that we will get

the RB-211 engine.” He added: "I think this is better for both companies, Rolls-Royce and Lockheed.” Mr Haughton is expected to meet Britain’s Aviation Supply Minister, Mr Freder-

ick Corfield, and the Defence Secretary, Lord Carrington, on Friday after he has reviewed the situation with members of his own engineering staff attached to Rolls-Royce in Britain. Meanwhile, the three assessors appointed by the Government to conduct feasibility studies on the RB-211 project are not expected to complete their report until next week at the earliest. Lord Carrington and Mr Corfield need this report before they can judge the practicality of negotiating a new contract with Lockheed.