The RB211 : Its Role in the Fall and Rise of Rolls-Royce Ltd

Biography of Rolls-Royce during the turbulent year of 1971

DESCRIBED AS A BRIGHT JEWEL IN BRITAINS INDUSTRIAL CROWN, IT SHOOK THE NATION, THE BRITISH ECONOMY AND BRITAIN’S REPUTATION WHEN, IN 1971, ROLLS-ROYCE LIMITED WAS DECLARED BANKRUPT!In this book read how and why this world-famous company crashed, spectacularly, on February 4th, 1971, soon after winning a £1,000 million export order for its evolutionary 3-shaft RB211 aero engine and the efforts that were made to save the RB211 programme and this great company. LEARN ABOUT:Why selling the RB211 engine into the U.S. market was so important to Rolls-Royce. Who were the main players and the roles they played in this unfolding drama?What were the reasons and primary causes behind Rolls-Royce’s financial failure?What happened after the receivership when the RB211 engine eventually became the launch pad for its financial recovery and future long-term success. THE BOOK EXPLORES:Why the RB211 contract with Lockheed almost never happened!Key events and escalating costs. Technical challenges and how they were overcome. Recollections from employees, directors, trades union officials and other key people. Truths, Myths and Conspiracy theories around the Bankruptcy. Lessons from the past and glimpses of the Future. This book should prove an engaging read for past and present Rolls-Royce employees alike, aerospace professionals and followers of Rolls-Royce. It contains a variety of photographs, historical documents and recollections from the 1971 receivership period.