The Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow (the Arrow) was a supersonic interceptor jet aircraft designed and built in the 1950s by A.V. Roe Canada (Avro). The Arrow was one of the most advanced aircraft of its era, helping to establish Canada as a world leader in scientific research and development.

Though the Arrow was widely praised for its power and beauty, the program was cancelled in February 1959 by the government of Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. This resulted in the loss of at least 25,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Many believe that the Arrow’s cancellation was a betrayal of Canada’s aerospace industry. Others assert that the jet was extravagant and had little chance of competing with impending innovations. At best, Avro and the Arrow were historic examples of Canadian ingenuity and intriguing case studies of unrealized potential.

This section of Canadiansatarms.ca will bring to light the facts and fictions about the Arrow’s story. We will also exhibit documents, photos and videos to help further the narrative.

Our intent, as is the intent of this entire website, is to help Canadians understand and appreciate the contribution of the Canadian Armed Forces to the fabric of Canada. In this case, we include the contribution of A.V. Roe and all the incredible engineers and tradesperson who worked to create, what was, without doubt, the world’s premier aircraft of its time.