Bombardier Aerospace Supports Recreation of Canadian 'Icon of Flight'	September 2006

Bombardier Aerospace's Downsview factory in central Toronto had an unusual visitor in mid-September when a full-scale replica of Canada's famous Avro Arrow supersonic interceptor was towed onto the company ramp for a final paint shop visit.

The delta-winged Arrow was a marvel of Canada's first supersonic aircraft.

The first Arrow was rolled out before 10,000 people at Malton, near Toronto, on October 4, 1957, and flew for the first time on March 25, 1958.

Less than a year later, the entire Arrow program was canceled for economic and defence reasons after many record-setting test flights, and all completed Arrow aircraft ordered destroyed.

The replica Arrow was unveiled to Canadian news media at the Toronto Aerospace Museum on Thursday, September 28.

Several corporate sponsors of the Museum, including Bombardier Aerospace, where recognized for their excellent support.

"It has been a pleasure for Bombardier to be involved in this exciting and historically important project," said Bombardier Vice President Todd Young, in response.

"The Avro Arrow is a symbol of all that is great about the aerospace industry - innovation, achievement, passion for flying and people who are committed to excellence."

Bombardier has been involved in the replica Arrow project since 2001, when it arranged for engineering interns to help fabricate the cockpit. The company's jacks and fork lifts have been used to move heavy portions of the aircraft, and the Arrow was painted in the Downsview paint shop.

Company employees and de Havilland retirees have also been well represented on the Museum's volunteer team.

Another connection between the Avro Arrow and Bombardier occurred more than 40 years ago, when a number of former Avro employees came to de Havilland in Toronto and Canadair in Montreal. Some of the brilliant minds who worked on the Arrow were involved in the development of the de Havilland Buffalo, Twin Otter, and Dash 7, and the Canadair CL-215 and Challenger.

The Avro Arrow replica will be unveiled to the public at the Toronto Aerospace Museum on Sunday, October 8, 2006. Further information on this and other special events can be found at www.torontoaerospacemuseum.com