Canada’s Aviation Legacy: The Story of the Avro Arrow

In the realm of Canadian aviation history, few tales are as captivating and enduring as that of the Avro Arrow. From its groundbreaking design to its mysterious disappearance, the saga of this legendary aircraft continues to capture the imagination of enthusiasts worldwide.

Preserving History: Where to Find the Avro Arrow Today

Exploring Canada’s museums offers a glimpse into the legacy of the Avro Arrow. Pieces of the original Arrow, alongside models and replicas, are proudly displayed in various institutions across the country. For instance, the Canadian Air and Space Conservancy, located in Edenvale, Ontario, boasts a full-size replica of the iconic plane. Meanwhile, the Avro Museum outside Calgary, Alberta, is diligently working on constructing a flying replica, keeping the spirit of the Arrow alive.

One of the most significant remnants of the Arrow—a nose section adorned with the words “Cut Here” beside a jagged blowtorch line—resides in the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa, Ontario. This tangible piece of history serves as a reminder of the innovation and ingenuity that defined the Arrow’s legacy.

Uncovering Treasures: Recent Discoveries

In a thrilling turn of events, members of Raise the Arrow stumbled upon an arrow-shaped object in Lake Ontario in September 2017. Comprising historians, scientists, archaeologists, and businesspeople, the group embarked on a mission to unravel the mysteries of the Arrow’s past. Utilizing underwater sonar equipment, they meticulously surveyed the lake’s bottom, eventually recovering the object the following year.

Though initially believed to be one of the nine scale models of the Arrow, further examination revealed it to be a smaller, earlier test device. Nonetheless, the discovery reignited interest in uncovering additional artifacts related to the Arrow’s testing phase. The ongoing quest to locate these elusive relics continues, with plans to house them in esteemed institutions like the Canada Aviation and Space Museum and the National Air Force Museum of Canada.

Preserving the Blueprints: A Testament to Innovation

The preservation of the Arrow’s blueprints stands as a testament to its enduring legacy. Long thought to have been lost in the annals of history, these invaluable documents found a new home at the Diefenbaker Canada Centre in 2020. Originally safeguarded by Ken Barnes, a senior draftsman for A.V. Roe (Avro) Canada, these blueprints offer a glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship and visionary design that defined the Arrow.

Celebrating a Cultural Icon: The Avro Arrow in Media

Over the years, the story of the Avro Arrow has been immortalized in various forms of media. Notable adaptations include a Heritage Minute and a CBC miniseries, both featuring acclaimed actor Dan Aykroyd as Crawford Gordon Jr. While these portrayals have garnered mixed reviews, they serve as a testament to the enduring fascination with the Arrow’s legacy.

Honoring Innovation: The Avro Arrow Commemorative Stamp

In 2019, Canada Post paid tribute to the Avro Arrow’s enduring legacy with a commemorative stamp. Depicting the iconic aircraft in all its glory, the stamp was part of a series celebrating Canadian ingenuity and technological prowess in aviation. This gesture serves as a poignant reminder of the Arrow’s lasting impact on Canada’s aerospace industry.

Conclusion: A Legacy That Soars

The story of the Avro Arrow is more than a mere footnote in Canadian history—it’s a testament to innovation, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of exploration. As artifacts continue to be unearthed and tales of the Arrow’s ingenuity are shared, its legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. In commemorating the past, we pay homage to the pioneers who dared to dream of a future where the skies were limitless.