CF-105 "Arrow" (RL-203) Low Top Canvas Shoes
*** UPDATED DESIGN ***
The Avro Canada CF 105 Arrow was a major Cold War interceptor program developed for the Royal Canadian Air Force. It aimed to counter long range Soviet bombers and first flew on March 25th, 1958 – only 13 years after the end of WW2. The aircraft used a large delta wing, twin engines and an internal weapons bay to support high speed interception at altitude. Early test flights showed strong performance. The Arrow reached close to Mach 1.98 in level flight and operated at about 53,000 feet with stable handling. These results confirmed that the airframe had the potential required for further development.
Avro produced five Mk 1 prototypes with the serials RL 201 to RL 205. They flew with Pratt and Whitney J75 engines. The planned Mk 2 version would have used the Canadian built Orenda Iroquois engine which produced about 30,000 pounds of thrust. Engineers expected the Mk 2 to exceed Mach 2 once the new engine entered service. The quoted dimensions of about 77 feet in length and a wingspan of 50 feet refer to the Mk 1 configuration, which was the basis for most published data.
The public rollout took place on October 4th, 1957. It received limited media attention because the launch of Sputnik 1 occurred on the same day. The program then faced rising costs and pressure from changing defence priorities. Many Western governments began investing more heavily in missile based air defence, and Canada reviewed its long term needs. Budget concerns and strategic shifts created growing uncertainty around the Arrow program.
On February 20th, 1959 the government cancelled the project and ordered all work to stop. Most prototypes, tooling and equipment were scrapped. A small number of components survived and now appear in museums and research collections. The cancellation ended a significant Canadian aerospace effort and led many skilled engineers to continue their careers in major aviation programs overseas.
References
- Campagna, Palmiro. The Avro Arrow and Its Story. Dundurn Press, 2003.
- Whitcomb, Randall. Avro Aircraft and Cold War Aviation. Vanwell, 2002.
- National Museum of the RCAF overview: https://ingenium.ca/aviation/en/collection-highlight/avro-canada-cf-105-arrow
- The Canadian Encyclopedia entry: https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/avro-arrow
*The RCAF Roundel is a trade-mark of His Majesty in Right of Canada as represented by the Minister of National Defence, used under licence.
Product Details
Product Details | Canvas Shoes
Step into history with our warbird themed canvas shoes! Each pair of shoes are made to order, featuring designs inspired by history’s most remarkable military aircraft and aviators. So, whether you are a warbird buff, air show fanatic or simply a lover of aviation, you can be certain our designs will bring a touch of style and history to your everyday wardrobe.
✈ Made to order.
✈ Classic lace-up closure to achieve the perfect fit.
✈ Brushed metal eyelets for that timeless style.
✈ Soft inner lining and insole for absolute comfort.
✈ Iconic rounded rubber toe cap.
Production & Shipping
Manufacturing | Canvas Shoes
Production & Shipping times can be found here.
Made to Order
This product is made to order with production beginning once your order has been received. We are, therefore, not able to cancel or amend an order once it has been placed. This includes changes to the shipping address, size, design, or any other specifications. Please review your order details carefully before finalising your purchase.
By producing items on demand rather than in large quantities, we actively contribute to minimising overproduction and waste. We genuinely appreciate your mindful purchasing choices, which support this more sustainable approach. Thank you for your understanding and support.
Colour and Design Variations
Minor variations in colour and design placement may occur during production. As a result, some design elements may differ slightly in colour or position from it appears onscreen. For more details please see our FAQ page.
Fulfilment and Product Origin
This product is manufactured in and shipped from China.
Lead times: 95% of all shoe orders arrive within 14 business days of the order date.
Care Instructions
Care Instructions | Canvas Shoes
Before You Begin
Insert shoe trees or stuff the shoes with newspaper to help them maintain their shape while cleaning.
Hand wash only.
Do not clean your shoes in a washing machine.
What You’ll Need
* Liquid laundry detergent
* Warm water
* Soft-bristled brush or toothbrush
* Sponge or soft cloth
* Clean, damp cloth
* Shoe trees or newspaper
1. Remove Laces and Brush Away Dirt
Remove the laces and brush away any loose dirt using a dry toothbrush or soft-bristled brush. You can also remove the insoles if you are concerned about them getting wet.
2. Pre-Treat Stains
Apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent directly to any stains and leave it for at least 15 minutes before cleaning.
3. Wash the Shoes
Mix a small amount of liquid laundry detergent with warm water. Dip a sponge or soft cloth into the solution and gently clean the shoes by hand.
NB: Avoid scrubbing the foxing tape, which is the decorative white or black trim around the sole, as excessive rubbing may damage or remove the finish. If the foxing is dirty, gently wipe the area with a damp cloth.
4. Rinse and Dry
Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any detergent and soapy residue. Allow the shoes to air dry completely before wearing them.
5. Clean the Laces
Soak the laces in the detergent solution, rinse thoroughly, and allow them to dry completely before re-lacing the shoes.
Refunds & Returns
Our Returns & Refund Policy and Apparel Size Guarantees and can be found here.