ROLLS-ROYCE IS set to complete its acquisition of Lucas Western Geared Systems (GSD). The company is being merged into Rolls-Royce subsidiary Allison. The sale, for an undisclosed sum, was announced on 18 March.
Terry Graham, Allison executive vice-president, business operations, says that the purchase of the accessory-gearbox manufacturer will complement R-R's capabilities in design and manufacture of accessory and high-power gear systems for turboprops and turboshafts.
Lucas Industries suffered in 1994 when Utah-based GSD failed to carry out proper test procedures on auxiliary gearboxes fitted to McDonnell Douglas F-18s destined for the US Navy. Graham says that the company has resolved its problems. "Liabilities and history stay with Lucas. We're buying the assets," he says.
Source: Flight International