by Grayden P.
In late 1959, I joined Lockheed-California
Company as a sales engineer, after 11 years with Pan American Airways. In the
late 1960s, Lockheed launched the L-1011 program. The market engineering and
research department enlarged the sales support organization, and I was promoted
to director!
Then came 1972, a critical year for
Lockheed. It was marked by escalating fuel prices, trouble at Rolls Royce and low
cash flow because of no deliveries. Consequently, banks would not loan us money
with a government guarantee.
Corporate CEO and Board Chairman Dan
Haughton pleaded our case for a loan guarantee before the Senate Finance
Committee. I went with Dan as part of his support team during the hearing. Dan
won agreement for the loan guarantee.
During that time, Rolls Royce was in
serious trouble and facing bankruptcy. It had planned to use lightweight carbon
composite for the fan blades on L-1011’s RB211 engine. However, the fan blades
could not pass the FOD test, and Rolls Royce had to redesign the fan, using titanium.
Rolls Royce needed government support to avoid “going under.”
Dan Haughton agreed to plead the case for
Rolls Royce and appeared before the Aviation Subcommittee of the House of
Commons. Again, I joined Dan in London as part of his support team. Dan “won
the day” for Rolls Royce and Lockheed. I think it wouldn’t have been a major
problem for him to change engines on the L-1011!
In 1983, the L-1011 program was cancelled
for financial reasons. Lockheed had produced 250 aircraft, including the
long-range L-1011-500. The L-1011 was the most technically advanced transport
of its day. It was also the last commercial aircraft built by Lockheed.
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| The L-1011 is an important part of Lockheed Martin's history. |
