For many years it was a forgotten piece of Canadian history, but in recent years the story of the Avro Arrow has seen a rekindling of interest.
The development of the supersonic jet-fighter was seen as a giant step forward with proposed speeds in excess of MACH 2 and the potential of reaching altitudes of 50,000 feet.
The jet’s engines were developed and tested by Orenda Engines at their test site in Noble.
The first Arrow was unveiled to the public in October of 1957 with flight tests beginning in March of 1958.
Then in February of 1959 Prime Minister John Diefenbaker abruptly cancelled the project and virtually everything connected with the project ordered destroyed.
The Museum on Tower Hill are hosting the exhibition “The Avro Arrow: A Dream Denied” that tells the story of the Avro, how it was manufactured and the destruction of the project with an opening to be held February 20th at the Museum from 6 to 7 p.m.
The date of the opening is significant in that February 20 1959 was the date that Prime Minister Diefenbaker killed the project.
The exhibit runs until March 29th.