IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
While not a traditional shipwreck, the Avro Arrow test models are considered significant historical artifacts. These models were 1/8th scale replicas of the Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow, a cutting-edge interceptor aircraft developed in the 1950s. The test models were rocket-propelled and launched into Lake Ontario during aerodynamic testing phases at the Point Petre site. They were part of Canada’s ambitious but ultimately canceled Avro Arrow program, which aimed to produce one of the most advanced jet interceptors of its time.
HISTORY: #
In the 1950s, the Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow represented the pinnacle of Canadian aerospace engineering. The Arrow was designed as a high-speed, high-altitude interceptor intended to defend North America against potential Soviet bomber attacks during the Cold War. To gather critical aerodynamic data, several scale models of the aircraft were launched from Point Petre into Lake Ontario using rockets.
However, in 1959, the Avro Arrow program was abruptly canceled by the Canadian government, leading to the destruction of many prototypes and associated materials. The cancellation marked a significant and controversial moment in Canadian history, leaving behind a legacy of what could have been a groundbreaking advancement in aviation.
The test models fired into Lake Ontario remained lost for decades, hidden in the depths of the lake. These models became symbols of Canada’s lost aerospace ambitions and were sought after by historians and aviation enthusiasts alike.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
In 2018, after extensive searches by the Raise the Arrow project, one of the long-lost Avro Arrow test models was located and successfully raised from Lake Ontario near Point Petre. The recovery was a significant achievement, providing tangible evidence of the advanced technological efforts behind the Avro Arrow program. The model was remarkably well-preserved, offering new opportunities for historical study and public education about Canada’s aerospace history.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Avro Arrow test model recovery site. However, given the historical significance of the area, mariners and divers are encouraged to respect any preservation efforts and guidelines provided by local authorities.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The Avro Arrow test model was located and raised by the Raise the Arrow project in 2018. The project involved collaboration between public and private entities, using advanced underwater scanning technology to locate the models.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Raise the Arrow Project: Raise the Arrow
- Canadian Aviation and Space Museum: Avro Arrow
- News Coverage of Recovery: CBC News Article
KEYWORDS: #
Avro Arrow, Test Model, Lake Ontario, Point Petre, Canadian Aerospace History, Raise the Arrow, 2018 Recovery, Cold War Aviation.
ANALYSIS: #
The recovery of the Avro Arrow test model from Lake Ontario represents a significant milestone in preserving Canada’s aerospace heritage. The model’s retrieval not only provides a physical link to one of the country’s most ambitious technological projects but also rekindles interest in the legacy of the Avro Arrow program. The recovery effort highlights the enduring importance of historical preservation and the role of advanced technology in uncovering lost artifacts of national significance.
