Mere metres from where the legendary Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow was conceived, and subsequently built, over 70 years ago, an aluminum replica of the supersonic interceptor was unveiled on August 27.
Design work for the Arrow began in 1953 and the first prototype rolled out of Avro’s factory in 1957. The first test flight was in 1958, and the aircraft’s performance met or exceeded design specifications. A total of five full-scale prototypes were built and flight-tested. A year later, Canada’s prime minister John Diefenbaker cancelled the program and had all the prototypes, tooling and drawings destroyed.
“This project reflects the dedication of so many individuals and organizations who came together to celebrate an important chapter in our city’s story,” said Mississauga mayor Carolyn Parrish. Malton was amalgamated into Mississauga in 1968.
The replica is an 85 percent scale of the original aircraft and, together with its support structure, weighs almost nine tonnes. The project cost $3.6 million, with funding from donors, the local business improvement association, and the City of Mississauga.
The Flight Garden portion of the 43.5-hectare Paul Coffey Park also includes a replica of an Avro Canada CF-100 Canuck.
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