1950s CF-105 Arrow Interceptor Pitched to RCAF

11/09/2012 by Paul Fiddian - Armed Forces International's Lead Reporter

An advanced interceptor aircraft that first emerged in the 1950s could be resurrected, if plans proposed in Canada come to fruition.

The Mach 2-capable Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow never made it into military service with the Royal Canadian Air Force, with the project shelved in February 1959. However, now, a group of businessmen think the Arrow could be a better prospect for the Royal Canadian Air Force than the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).

The older aircraft, they say, could revive Canada's aviation industry but, elsewhere, military experts question the sheer cost of bringing a 50+ year old aircraft programme back to life.

Arrow For RCAF

The Joint Strike Fighter is currently the frontrunner in the race to replace the Royal Canadian Air Force's (RCAF's) CF-188 Hornet combat aircraft but, according to the businessmen, the F-35's development overruns and cost increases weigh heavily against it.

The Arrow for RCAF group is headed by Marc Bourdeau who has said, for $9 billion, he can supply 100 new-build CF-150s to the RCAF. Based around the original design template which, says Bourdeau, was "more than 50 years ahead of its time", the 21st century CF-105 Arrows would also feature up-to-date systems and avionics.

The original CF-105 Arrow made its first flight in March 1958. Powered by a pair of Pratt and Whitney J75 turbojets, it was tested to Mach 1.98 and, with further testing, it's thought it could have exceeded Mach 2. Its armament would have included AIR-2 Genie rockets and AIM-7 Sparrow II missiles and, operating at 50,000 feet, it would have given the Royal Canadian Air Force a highly capable attack platform.

CF-105 Arrow Interceptor

"It's an attack aircraft", CF-105 Arrow Interceptor rebuild programme supporter Major General Lewis Mackenzie explained to Canadian news organisation The West Block. "It's designed for attacking ground targets and its stealth is most effective against short range radar, protecting ground targets.

"What we need in Canada is something that can go to the edge of our airspace, from a sovereignty point of view, and be able to catch up with intruders."

Three months ago, the Canadian government rejected this idea, citing reasons such as the Arrow's limited relevance to 21st century defence needs, and the time and money needed. Even so, Mackenzie and others continue to back it.

Armed Forces International will revisit this issue in future news coverage, once more is known about the RCAF's Hornet replacement programme.