July 10, 1986

A rapid erosion of the International Business Machines Corporation's lead in the personal computer market has forced company officials to take a series of urgent actions in recent weeks to restore I.B.M.'s position, computer retailers and industry analysts said yesterday. Their comments came a day after I.B.M. notified its dealers that it was cutting the wholesale price of several of its personal computer models, including one version of its top-of-the-line PC-AT, by up to 18 percent. It is unclear whether the action will result in any price savings for consumers. The price cut was apparently prompted by complaints from retailers that widespread price-cutting in the industry - sparked largely by the unexpected success of low-priced personal computer ''clones'' from overseas - had cut deeply into their profits in selling I.B.M. equipment.

Companies Lockheed agreed to buy Sanders Associates for $60 a share in cash, or $1.2 billion, in a deal that would protect Sanders from a bid by another party. The acquisition would mark a major expansion into the military electronics business for Lockheed, which has specialized in building aircraft and missiles. Sanders had been fighting a hostile bid from Loral for $50 a share. The move appears to reflect a broader consolidation in the aerospace industry as companies face slower growth in procurement. [ Page D1. ] An erosion of I.B.M.'s lead in personal computers forced the company to cut the wholesale price of several personal computer models. Retailers had complained that price cutting - sparked by the success of computer ''clones'' from overseas - had cut deeply into their profits from I.B.M. equipment. [ D1. ]

The Nicaraguan Air Force has tripled its stock of Soviet-made transport helicopters over the last two months, according to diplomats and military specialists here. Diplomats said this week that the Sandinistas had unloaded as many as 15 new MI-17 helicopters at the ports of Corinto and Bluefields since the beginning of May. Before the shipments, the air force was thought to have seven or eight of them. The flow of helicopters into Nicaragua was said to reflect the Government's belief that its war against United States-backed rebels will step up. The House of Representatives voted last month to approve $100 million in aid to rebel groups.

Charlie was standing at the door, one hand on the knob, about to leave Apt. 6H at 178 Avenue D, one hand holding on to his younger brother, Geraldo. ''Where are you going?'' asked their foster mother, Maria Medina. ''To the community center, to art class,'' said 11-year-old Charlie. ''Who are you going with?'' she asked. ''Just me and Charlie,'' replied 8-year-old Geraldo, called J. J. by his family.

The obituary yesterday of Adm. Hyman G. Rickover described his tenure in the Navy incorrectly. He had 63 years 6 months of service: 59 years 6 months as an officer and 4 years as a midshipman.