Full-scale AVRO Arrow to be unveiled this weekend

This full-scale Arrow will be rolled out for the public this Thanksgiving weekend at Downsview Park.

A new commemorative full-scale model of Canada's famous Avro Arrow jet fighter, constructed by the Toronto Aerospace Museum, will be officially unveiled to the public at Downsview Park Sunday, Oct. 8.

The rollout will start at 2 p.m. and will celebrate the 49th anniversary of the rollout of the first Avro Arrow in October 1957. The museum is celebrating with an open house all Thanksgiving weekend, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 8 and 9. Admission is "pay what you can."

This full-scale version is a museum-quality model of the Avro Arrow.

The Avro CF-105 Arrow was a twin-engine supersonic interceptor aircraft designed and built in the Toronto region. It has attained legendary status as an icon of Canadian aeronautical achievement in the 1950s. Five aircraft were produced, test flown and successfully exceeded the RCAF requirements, until production was abruptly halted in 1959. All the aircraft were destroyed, sparking a controversy that continues to this day. The Avro Arrow has been the subject of numerous books, songs, articles, plays, documentaries and a television film.

This full scale model represents RL 203, the third production Avro Arrow. It stands out from the others, being the only Arrow with the Canadian Ensign flag (for those that remember) on its tail fin, the only Arrow to test fit a missile weapons pack; the first to get a Daygo paint scheme; accumulating the most RCAF pilot flight time, and being the second last to fly before being destroyed that fateful day in 1959. RL203 was also recognized as the last Arrow flown by well known test pilot Janusz "Zura" Zurakowski (who reportedly lived in Caledon).

This Canadian built aircraft exceeded the RCAF requirements and had many highly advanced designs incorporated, when compared to other aircraft of the time and not too out of place today.

The Arrow was the first aircraft:

* Designed with digital computers.

* Produced with computer numeric control (CNC) machining.

* To have "fly by wire" (stick to controls by electrical signal).

* Designed for data-link operation (flyable from the ground).

* Using 4,000 psi pressure hydraulic system.

* Canadian aircraft to achieve a speed of nearly Mach 2.0.

The commemorative 80- foot model was built, over the past eight years, to the exacting size and specifications of the original aircraft, by 140 dedicated volunteers with the support of public donations and corporate sponsors. It will be a treasured addition to the museum's permanent collection and will remain on display for the enjoyment and education of museum visitors for years to come.

Special previews for museum members and volunteers as well as a gala fund-raising celebration will be held on days prior to the public unveiling of the Arrow.

Corporate sponsors for the Avro Arrow event include Parc Downsview Park, Bombardier Aerospace (Downsview), Messier-Dowty (SAFRAN Group), John Baby & Company (Catering) and The Printing House. Regular Museum hours

are Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursdays to Saturdays (and holiday Mondays) 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays noon to 4 pm.

The Toronto Aerospace Museum (TAM) is an exciting educational, heritage and tourist attraction in Downsview Park located in one of Canada's oldest intact aircraft factories, established by the de Havilland company in 1929.

Founded in 1997, the notfor profit Museum displays a variety of aircraft and aerospace technology from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

The Toronto Aerospace Museum is located in Downsview Park, at 65 Carl Hall Road, Toronto. For further information, call

416-638-6078, email tam@bellnet.ca or visit the museum Web site, www.torontoaerospacemuse um.com. Information on Downsview Park can be found at www.pdp.ca.

With contribution from

George Moffatt