After all these years, I had to see what the Avro Arrow looked like
Seeing the Avro Arrow Interceptor up front and personal at the Edenvale Aerodrome Museum is another must-see adventure off my bucket list.
Question most people ask: *** Whatever happened to the Canadian-built Avro Arrow Interceptor from the ’60s? Well, folks, there is little mention of this futuristic plane in any American history library. Most south of the border have never heard of the achievements this plane made to the aerospace industry, and possibly could have achieved more if it had not been cancelled.
**** However, there is not much left of it today or more you can say that’s not already been said. Only memories in Canadian minds of what it could have been like in today’s world.
*** My relationship with the Avro Arrow started many years ago when my dad reminisced about Canada’s lost history. Then my uncle, a Canadian Air Force veteran, also shared stories about this defunct airplane called the Avro Arrow. So, through the years, I picked up stories of people who worked on the Arrow Arrow and their unique stories and rumours told, ‘like the closure happened yesterday.’
There were Avro books and literature on every bookshelf at home; they were on the end tables and reading material everywhere.
So, needless to say, I’ve heard many stories and read many books and yes, rumours about what really happened to this famed Canadian interceptor. But like I mentioned before, whenever you get in a discussion with Americans, most have never heard of it and if they had, the comments were not complementary to the defunked Canadian achievement. Is that important, you say? Yeah, kinda.
Read more on the Avro Arrow by way of this Kindle e-Book.
Even though the stories are old and have been retold many times over, they still hold a special place in the hearts and imaginations of every Canadian who remembers or hears about the cancellation of Canada’s pride in aerodynamics.
*** Now, I won’t go on long about the Avro Arrow story, but did you know there’s a full-size replica at Edenvale Aerodrome Airport, just north of Toronto? And that my friends, is the gist of this story. This iconic plane is sitting in a hangar alongside remnants of artifacts and memorabilia from days gone by, and you can see and touch them (if no one’s watching!)
Now, this information on the Avro Arrow Cold War Interceptor might not mean much to the younger people, but, to those who followed the “what-if” dream, knowing that a full-size replica of the Avro Arrow “is a big deal.”
*** This adventure starts by asking a question.
Researched Google with a question: “Where can I find a replica of the Avro Arrow Interceptor?” Answer: “You can see a replica at the Edenvale Aerodrome Airport. north of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.”
Well, there you have it folks, Edenvale Aerodrome is officially on and off my summer bucket list.
*** And this is how my bucket list and the Avro Arrow story begin. And, what better way to spend the day than with a little father-daughter bonding and visiting the Avro Arrow at the same time?
*** Yeah, I see your eyes roll back, and …I have to agree, and I’m not entirely sure she was that excited about seeing the long-retired Avro Arrow Interceptor built before her time, but hanging out with her old dad for the day wasn’t such a bad idea. Luckily, she has that adventurous spirit, so it worked out just fine.
After agreeing on a date and time, we were off to the Canadian Air & Space Conservancy Museum at Edenvale to see the full-size replica of the Avro Arrow. We’re off in the direction of beautiful Wasaga Beach. Turn right and then left, there we are. What could be finer?
Now, I have to tell you folks as I mentioned before, over many years, I’ve read the specifications, the technical details, and the engines it once used. But walking into that hangar and seeing the historic plane up front and personal, ‘all those facts and figures suddenly meant nothing.’
To physically see what that plane looked like back in the late 50s was a long-time dream come true. And … it’s officially off my bucket list.
*** This piece of futuristic technology, sitting in that hangar, was a fantastic sight to see. What amazed me the most was that it was built just five or so years after the Second World War. In reality, war-torn countries were still digging themselves out from the rubble, and yet here was Canada, building a swept-wing marvel that you can see the signature wing design on all modern jet fighters today. Nothing could have prepared me for the beautiful lines and innovative technology captured in that replica.
If I’m coming across as excited, then I must be doing a fine job telling this story!
We wrapped up our fun day at this Edenvale Airport with a few more outside photos of other unique planes overlooking the highway. However, the Edenvale Airport has a rich history in its own right. It was a training ground for new and inexperienced pilots during World War II.
Conclusion: It was a fun day bonding with my busy lifestyle daughter and seeing a full-size version of the legendary Avro Arrow was a bonus. What could be finer than to spend a good day with two long-overdue events taken off my bucket list? ‘It was a good day.’
The Avro Arrow Interceptor Story is Old, But You Can Still See a full-size replica at Edenvale Aerodrome Airport.
FACEBOOK Group COMMENTS
- I remember years ago visiting Downsview and it was disassembled
They weren’t open at the time but because of my affiliation with CHAA we got a private tour
I’ve really got to get to Edenvale to see it fully assembled
- Too many unsolved problems, too expensive. The engine was a failure, the intakes were a huge problem. Anyone who thinks this was close to being produced is doing drugs of some sort.
Extra Note … Amazon Kindle (ebook) has an interesting (back door) look at the Avro Arrow story. 🔗
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