The Avro Arrow Story: The Revolutionary Airplane and Its Courageous Test Pilots chronicles one of the most ambitious aerospace projects in Canadian history. In the 1950s, A. V. Roe Canada stood at the cutting edge of aviation, having already produced one of the first jet airliners and the country’s first jet fighter.
This book explores the bold vision behind the Avro Arrow, a cutting-edge interceptor aircraft designed to push the limits of speed, altitude, and technology. It highlights the determination, skill, and sacrifice of the test pilots, engineers, and technicians who poured their energy into bringing the advanced jet into the air.
Drawing on first-hand perspectives from those who worked on the program, the narrative follows the Arrow from early development through flight testing to the abrupt and controversial cancellation that ended the dream. Readers gain insight into the human side of aerospace innovation, as well as the national pride and disappointment surrounding the project’s demise.
Concise and accessible, this volume is ideal for readers interested in Canadian history, aviation technology, and Cold War-era aerospace achievements.
- Focus on the Avro Arrow’s design and testing
- Human stories of pilots, engineers, and support staff
- Context of 1950s aviation and Cold War defence priorities
