FireFly

Acknowledgements
Foreword
Introduction

Evolution of the Arrow
Design, Development and Construction
From Rollout to First Flight
Flight Test Program
The Log Book
Iroquois Engine and Flight Testing
Weapons System and Defence Strategy
Black Friday
Company Summary January-February 1959
Arrows for the Future
Technical Data and Drawings
Addendum - 30 Years Later
Bibliography
Index

Introduction

The history of the Avro Arrow is one of the most fascinating, yet misunderstood stories in all the annals of Canadian Aviation.

The Arrow was a plane without equal and considered by many to be twenty years ahead of its time.

In this book we will attempt to unravel some of the mysteries about the Arrow and expose the reader to some of its lesser known facets. We will take you from the Arrow's inception and early design studies, to roll out and from flight test to the advanced proposals for the development of future versions. We will describe and show by pictures some of the action behind the scenes. Photos of the Arrow were never widely circulated which explains why many aviation books simply omit the Arrow or give it cursory mention. This is understandable since cancellation of the Arrow called for destruction of all photos, drawings, models, specifications, tooling, etc.; even the aircraft themselves were destroyed. It is for this reason that photos, drawings, etc. that do exist are highly prized by the few collectors fortunate enough to have them.

We have gathered together what we feel is a good historical record of many previously unpublished photos and information. Statements in this book are based on fact and are all documented. Sources include taped interviews with the Test Pilots who give their firsthand impressions and interviews with various company officials and with countless plant personnel. We were indeed fortunate to have access to surviving company records and de-classified Government information. Our thanks go to many contributors and technical advisors who helped to put this information together to provide an accurate story. The politics of the Arrow have been written about many times and most people have formed their own opinions. We have no intention to repeat these arguments and ask that you read the book with an open mind.

In the following pages we wish to present to you the story of the Arrow -- the airplane, not a political faux pas, but a page in the history of Canadian Aviation.

 

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