English: A model of the Avro Arrow, in Barry's Bay, Ontario. Photograph retouched by the author to remove the base of the model [1].

The Avro Arrow was born out of the necessity for the protection of Canada. During the height of the Cold War (1950s) era, the Soviets had introduced new long range bombers, that were capable of flying over the North Pole to attack North America. This was a very serious threat as the continent lived in fear of a surprise nuclear attack.

Production was started and less than 4 years later, the Arrow was completed. Roll out was October 4, 1957. First flight was March 25 1958.

A source of national pride, the Arrow incorporated advanced technical innovations and became a symbol of Canadian excellence. One of the finest achievements in Canadian aviation history, the delta wing Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow was never allowed to fulfill its mission. The Arrow weapons platform along with the Iroquois engine was cancelled by the Conservative Diefenbaker government February 20, 1959, less than 3 weeks before the MK2 Arrow was to take flight.