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.
Very nice display, bravo. Next one a Canadair Tutor or and a Challenger ! Regards
As a teenager, the Avro Arrow development was the trigger for me wanting to be a military pilot in the RCAF. I left first year university in Toronto when the airforce ceased summer flying for students and went direct entry, having no idea what percentage of applicants made it to wings standard. After my late wife, the RCAF wings were the greatest blessing in my life. Thank you to all who worked on the CF-105 project.
What a joke! They should have made it to scale like the CF-100! Now it looks like a cheap RC model next to the CF-100. Who thought that one up?! Keep the scale similar if displays are ‘that’ close together. Duh!