the missiles to be used by the Arrow. They utilized a system known as active homing
radar, the ability to home in on a target automatically. This technology, as well as the
Sparrow III itself, is still actively in use today2. The Arrow also had the most advanced
Automatic Flight Control Systems (AFCS) of the time, even though it was not designed
for ‘fly-by-wire’ performance. It was safer to use than any other AFCS that had existed
before, designed to be in use during long patrols over the vast Canadian landscape3.
These and more would have put the Arrow and its advanced technology in the
aeronautics spotlight.
If the Arrow remained in the aeronautics industry's interests the industry as a
whole would be much different. The groundbreaking design principles used by the Arrow
1 E. Gustin, Interceptor Rex, appendix, p. 7-8
2 J. Dow, The Arrow, p. 90-94, p. 110, p. 114
3 E. Gustin, Interceptor Rex, p. 3
would have been utilized earlier in other planes, allowing for further expansion of the
Canadian aeronautics industry. For instance, the dogtooth notch design in the Arrow’s
wing, used for increased aerodynamics and stability, was not even considered by major
aeronautics companies until the late 1980’s, when Lockheed included it in the design of
the stealth fighter F-117 Blackbird, one of the most advanced fighters of today4. Also, the
delta wing design of the Arrow was not popular in the 1950’s and 60’s as defence
agencies opted for more stable and maneuverable flight in traditional wing designs as in
the CF-100 Canuck and F-106 Voodoo5. The narrower wingspan in the delta wing did not
allow for as many wing-mounted weapon systems that can be seen in most fighters up to
now. However, designers realized twenty years later that the delta wings that allowed
greater speeds were more of an asset than the number of bombs a plane could carry. More
recent fighters like the F-14 Tomcat6 and F-18 Hornet illustrate this point, and they
certainly do not lack in firepower despite their delta-wing design7. Outboarded weapon
systems also meant a smaller fuselage, which the Arrow did not have. The Arrow’s
weaponry was to be carried within the roomy fuselage, adding to the drag of the already
bulky craft, but designers of the day preferred more streamlined crafts with less drag and
more stability. However, we see this same large fuselage design in the most advanced
new fighter craft, including the F-117 and the latest craft to enter the market, the
Lockheed F-22, now touted as the most advanced aircraft ever built8. The cancellation of
the Arrow prevented the use of these designs in other planes until much later, thus
retarding the growth of the domestic aeronautics industry.
Though the design of the Arrow would have been revolutionary, A.V. Roe’s
effects on the domestic aeronautics industry would have been far greater if the Arrow
programme were not terminated. The very existence of the Avro Arrow programme
would have created Canadian jobs and boosted the Canadian Aeronautics industry
greatly, and in turn, the entire domestic economy. At the time, the entire American
Aeronautics industry employed about 200,000 people, spread over several different
4 E. Gustin, Interceptor Rex, p. 6
5 G. Stewart, Shutting Down the National Dream, p. 103
6 Note: The F-14 Tomcat employed the so-called “swing-wing” design that combined the delta-wing speed
with traditional wing designs for manoeuvrability and firepower.
7 W. Green and G. Swanborough, The Complete Book of Fighters, p. 37
8 E. Gustin, Interceptor Rex, p. 6
companies9. By comparison, A.V. Roe Ltd. alone was the third largest company in
Canada, employing over 41,000 people just before its demise, and growing at a rapid
rate10. Over the next thirty years, the U.S. Aeronautics industry would expand to employ
over 1,640,000 people, and become one of the most important high-tech domestic
industries to their economy. A.V. Roe was already a giant in the industry, and could only
grow by virtue of its success with the Canuck, the Airliner, and eventually the Arrow. If
A.V. Roe’s expansion had taken place, thousands upon thousands of Canadian jobs
would have been created, and the aeronautics industry would have become a more
important part of our national economy than it is today11. Also, A.V. Roe’s expansion
would have spurred even more Canadian business, as the company was already
comprised of over 39 individual companies and subsidized 6,300 suppliers. Its growth
would have increased demand for supplies and expanded the companies under its wing,
formed more satellite companies and created thousands of more jobs directly and
indirectly related to aeronautics12. As well, newer aeronautics companies would arise as
competition, and each would have the same positive effect on our economy as A.V.
Roe13. If allowed to continue, A.V. Roe’s influence would be tremendous to our national
economy.
The Arrow project should not have been shut down, but maintained for the benefit
of the domestic aeronautics industry. The national economy and employment would have
greatly benefited if the Arrow flew today. As well, the Arrow’s technology would have
set the standard for fighter planes for years, and design principles unique to the Arrow
would have been implemented into today’s planes earlier if it were not for A.V. Roe’s
end. Over the decades, the aeronautics industry in Canada has excelled to become one of
the world’s leaders, but it’s not the first time that Canada’s aeronautics industry has had a
place in the sun. Canada could very well have been a much different place if the Arrow
were allowed to continue. What a country spends its time, money and effort on is a true
indicator of that country’s hopes, dreams, and what that nation is all about.
9 “Aerospace Industry,” Microsoft Encarta 96 Encyclopaedia (CD-ROM), 1996.
10 J. Dow, The Arrow, p.14
11 G. Stewart, Shutting Down the National Dream, p. 277
12 Ibid., p.274-5
13 J. Dow, The Arrow, p. 143
Bibliography
“Aerospace industry”, Microsoft Encarta 96 Encyclopedia (CD-ROM), 1996.
Dow, James, The Arrow. Toronto: James Lorimer & Co., 1979
Gustin, Emmanuel “Interceptor Rex --- The Avro CF-105 Arrow”
The Avro Arrow. 1998. <>
Stewart, Greig, Shutting Down the National Dream. Toronto: McGraw-Hill, 1991
W. Green and G. Swanborough, The Complete Book of Fighters. Toronto:
Salamander, 1994.
