TORONTO, Sept. 8, 2017 /CNW/ - New sonar imagery and underwater video footage confirms a free-flight Avro Arrow model has been discovered on the floor of Lake Ontario.
"We are very pleased and tremendously proud to announce we have discovered the first example of one of the free-flight Arrow models, says John Burzynski, Raise the Arrow expedition leader and CEO of Osisko Mining. "We hope to have other discoveries as we continue the program, and are now working on planning a recovery of this first Arrow model. The Arrow is an important – and passionate - part of Canada's aviation and technological history as a reminder of what Canadians are capable of achieving. We are honoured to be part of this discovery, and would like to thank our sponsors, project participants and supporters for their efforts in making it possible."
Sonar images, pictures and underwater video from a Remote Operated Vehicle are being shown to media and project supporters by the OEX Recovery Group in Toronto today.
The images showcase one of the models from part of the free-flight Avro Arrow test program conducted at Point Petre between 1955 – 1957. The models were tested as one of the final steps in finalizing the flight design of the ultimate flying Arrow jet.
"We are so proud of our engineers who helped locate an Arrow free-flight model. Our advanced Canadian ocean technology plays a big part in this story, where our world-class underwater sensors and robotics helped find a piece of Canada's aviation history," says Karl Kenny, Kraken's President and CEO.
With the support of archaeologist Scarlett Janusas, OEX will send divers to assess the integrity of the prototypes.
"Proper archaeological examination, recording and preservation work is the next order of events with the model." says Janusas. "The model will stay submerged until the biomass, including organic material and zebra mussels, can be removed."
Any of the free-flight test models that are eventually recovered will be housed at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa and the National Air Force Museum of Canada in Trenton, Ontario.
"The public has always shown a keen interest in the story of the Avro Arrow. We are thrilled to play a role in this partnership to bring the model back to life and to re-engage the public with this important chapter in Canadian aviation history," said Fern Proulx, Interim President and CEO of Ingenium – Canada's Museums of Science and Innovation
OEX has pledged more than $600,000 to both museums to cover the costs of exhibiting any artifacts the team discovers and recovers.
The museums, in collaboration with the Canadian Conservation Institute, will provide historical information to support the conservation, treatment, and collection of any recovered models or materials.
OEX Recovery Group began the search near Point Pretre, Ontario X weeks.
Background
The Avro Arrow free-flight models were launched over Lake Ontario in a series of flights conducted between 1954 and 1957. Nine test models (one-eighth scale replicas) of the fighter jet remain on the bottom of Lake Ontario. The Arrow was a symbol of Canadian manufacturing excellence.
About OEX Recovery Group Inc.
The Raise the Arrow project (www.raisethearrow.com) is being led by the OEX Recovery Group Inc., which is sponsored by Osisko group of companies, in collaboration with their financial partners at National Bank, the Bank of Montreal, Canaccord Genuity, Maxit Capital, Eight Capital and Northfield Capital; the Canada Aviation and Space Museum (CASM), Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), the Canadian Conservation Institute, and Bennett Jones LLP. Support for this project is also being provided by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Scarlett Janusas Archaeology, Canadian Coast Guard, the Royal Canadian Military Institute and Canada Company.
SOURCE Raise the Arrow
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