IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Type of Wreck: Avro Arrow Test Model (Aerospace Historical Artifact)
• Location: Near Point Petre, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: Exact coordinates are undisclosed to preserve the site.
• Site Status: Test model was located and raised in 2018 during a historical recovery effort.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Avro Arrow test models, though not traditional shipwrecks, are significant artifacts representing a monumental chapter in Canada’s aerospace history. These 1/8th scale models of the Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow, a state-of-the-art jet interceptor, were rocket-propelled into Lake Ontario during the 1950s for aerodynamic testing. Their construction was integral to studying the flight characteristics of what could have been one of the most advanced military aircraft of its era.

HISTORY

In the mid-1950s, Canada embarked on a groundbreaking project to design and develop the Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow, a supersonic, high-altitude interceptor. Intended to protect North American airspace from Soviet threats during the Cold War, the Arrow was a bold step into cutting-edge aviation technology.

Test Model Development

To evaluate the aerodynamics of the Arrow, engineers created several scale models. These models were launched from Point Petre, located on Lake Ontario’s shores, using rockets. The tests aimed to gather critical data for refining the Arrow’s design.

Cancellation of the Avro Arrow Program

On February 20, 1959 (infamously known as “Black Friday”), the Canadian government canceled the Avro Arrow program. This decision shocked the nation and resulted in the destruction of completed prototypes, associated equipment, and documentation. The move remains one of the most controversial moments in Canadian history, symbolizing the loss of a globally competitive aerospace industry.

Rediscovery of Test Models

Decades later, the test models launched into Lake Ontario became symbols of the Arrow’s legacy. They lay submerged and forgotten until the Raise the Arrow Project launched a determined search. Using advanced underwater scanning technologies, the project located one of the models in 2018. Its recovery marked a historic milestone, rekindling public interest in Canada’s aerospace achievements.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The test model, raised from Lake Ontario near Point Petre, was remarkably well-preserved. Its retrieval has contributed to research, historical education, and exhibits celebrating the legacy of the Avro Arrow program. The model now serves as a tangible reminder of Canada’s ambitious aviation history.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the recovery site. However, individuals exploring the area are urged to respect preservation efforts and avoid disturbing potential historical artifacts.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The Raise the Arrow Project, a collaborative initiative combining public and private resources, located and successfully raised the test model in 2018.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Raise the Arrow Project: Raise the Arrow Project Official Website
• Canadian Aviation and Space Museum: Avro Arrow History
• CBC News: CBC Article on Recovery

ANALYSIS

The recovery of the Avro Arrow test model from Lake Ontario is a significant achievement in Canadian historical preservation. It provides a rare, physical link to one of Canada’s most ambitious and controversial aerospace projects. The test model now serves as a source of national pride, symbolizing a moment in history when Canada pushed the boundaries of technological innovation. The efforts by the Raise the Arrow Project underscore the importance of uncovering and preserving artifacts that tell the story of a nation’s industrial and scientific achievements.

KEYWORDS Avro Arrow, Lake Ontario, Point Petre, Raise the Arrow, Canadian Aerospace History, Cold War Aviation, Avro Arrow Test Models, 2018 Recovery, Canadian Innovation.