Avro CF-105 Arrow
Summary
| Category | Combat aircraft |
| Origin country | 🇨🇦 Canada |
| First flight | 25 March 1958 |
| Year of introduction | |
| Number produced | 5 units |
| Average unit price | $3 million |
Description
The CF-105 Arrow was an impressive Canadian interceptor prototype in terms of dimensions and performance, but it was never produced in series. In April 1953, the Royal Canadian Air Force presented a set of specifications for an interceptor aircraft to replace the CF-100 Canuck. This aircraft was intended to be twin-engine and two-seater, capable of reaching Mach 2 and maneuvering at 2G at high speeds and altitudes. Its armament would consist solely of internally carried missiles. The role of this aircraft was to intercept Soviet strategic bombers that could potentially pass through Canadian airspace to target the United States.
The first prototype of the CF-105, named RL-201, rolled out of the factory on October 4, 1957, coincidentally the same day as the launch of Sputnik 1. This event signified that the Soviet threat was no longer limited to aircraft altitude. Nonetheless, development continued, and the RL-201 prototype made its first flight on March 25, 1958. Flight tests yielded positive results, with the aircraft demonstrating reliable performance and quickly reaching Mach 1.5. Four additional pre-production Mark 1 aircraft were delivered between August 1958 and January 1959. These initial five aircraft were equipped with interim Pratt & Whitney J-75 engines (used in the F-105 Thunderchief and F-106 Delta Dart), pending the availability of the powerful Iroquois engine, which was still under development by Orenda.
However, despite these positive results, the Arrow project soon faced setbacks. Canada attempted to sell the CF-105 to the U.S. Air Force, but the United States opted to develop the BOMARC anti-bomber missile with a range of 700 km. The Americans had also initiated the development of a similar interceptor, the F-108 Rapier, but the program was halted in September 1959. The strategy of anti-bomber aircraft squadrons became obsolete in the face of intercontinental missiles that could not be intercepted at the time. The Canadian government purchased BOMARC missiles while attempting to continue the Arrow program. However, escalating costs ultimately led to the project being officially terminated on February 20, 1959. This cancellation was a shock to Canada, both in terms of its economic consequences and the enthusiasm that had been generated by this promising aerospace project.
Technical specifications
| Version: CF-105 Mk 1 | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 2 members |
| Operational range | 667 km (414 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 2103 km/h (1307 mph) |
| Wing area | 113.8 m² (1224.9 sqft) |
| Wingspan | 15 m (49.2 ft) |
| Height | 6.3 m (20.5 ft) |
| Length | 23.7 m (77.8 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 16154 m (52999 ft) |
| Empty weight | 22245 kg (49042 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 31120 kg (68608 lbs) |
| Climb rate | 84.0 m/s (275.6 ft/s) |
| Powerplant | 2 × turbojets Pratt & Whitney J75-P-3 delivering 5670 kgp, up to 10659 kgp with afterburner |
| Ejection seat | Martin-Baker Mk 5 |
Current operating countries
No country is operating the CF-105 Arrow in 2025.
All operators
Armament
Missiles payload:
- Air-to-Air Short-Range AIM-4 Falcon
Photo of CF-105 Arrow
