Avro Arrow

Canadian Avro Arrow, officially CF-105, aircraft were designed as interceptors.

They utilized a thin, delta wing design for high strength, easy construction, high fuel capacity, and good supersonic speed performance.

The aircraft controls were actuated by an early design, computerized, three axis fly by wire system.

Avro Arrow weapons, consisting of rockets and missiles, would be stored in an internal bay in the belly of the aircraft.

The aircraft would be guided to its target by a computer controlled radar system.

Five prototype Avro Arrow aircraft were produced.

During its first flight on March 25, 1958, performance of the prototype aircraft was beyond expectations. Only a few minor glitches were found, which were easily correctable.

On its second flight the Avro Arrow exceeded 1,000 mph. The aircraft was expected to break existing world performance records during further testing.

On February 20, 1959, the Avro Arrow aircraft project was canceled.  Factors said to contribute to the cancellation include defense project spending cuts, a belief that missiles and not aircraft would be capable of defending against enemy bombers, and the availability of fully developed U.S. supersonic aircraft.