CF-105 Arrow

CF-105 Arrow
Overview

Overview

One of the most famous aircraft in Canadian history, the CF-105 Arrow never made it into operational use with the Royal Canadian Air Force although it was flown by RCAF test pilots. The CF-105 Arrow was a supersonic all-weather two-seat interceptor designed and produced by Avro Aircraft Limited in Malton, Ontario. Avro had avoided the normal prototype stage and launched directly into manufacture of production aircraft. Five pre-production standard aircraft were outfitted with J-57 engines and flight test systems. The sixth aircraft was equipped with the full production Orenda Iroquois engines but this aircraft never flew before the program was cancelled. A total of 31 more aircraft were also in production when the entire effort was terminated by the federal government on February 20, 1959.

Model No

Marks

Mk I, Mk II

Role

Fighter

Taken on Strength

1958

Struck off Strength

1959

Number

5

Service

Ordered by RCAF

Technical Specifications

Technical Specifications (for Mark I aircraft)

Manufacturer Avro Canada
Crew / Passengers Two (pilot and a navigator / weapons officer)
Powerplant Two Pratt & Whitney J-57 P5 turbojet engines each with 12,500 pounds thrust (18,000 pounds in after burner)
Maximum Speed Mach 2.0 or 700 knots (1,297 km/h)

Service Ceiling

53,000 ft (15,240 m)
Combat Radius 300 miles (483 km)
Empty Weight 48,923 lb (22,211 kg)
Gross Weight 57,000 lb (25,855 kg)
Maximum Take-off Weight 68,600 lb (31,144 kg)
Span 50 ft (15.24 m)
Length 77 ft 10 in (23.71 m)

Height

21 ft3 inches (6.48 m)

Wing Area

1,225 ft2 (113.8 m2)
Armament Provisions for internal carriage of up to four AIM-4 Falcon or Sparrow 2 missiles
Cost Unknown

Source: Canadian Combat and Support Aircraft: A Military Compendium by T.F.J. Leversedge ©2007. Reproduced with the permission of the author.

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