Sixty years after its cancellation, the Avro Arrow, a Canadian supersonic interceptor, continues to captivate the imagination. The article explores the enduring legacy of this advanced aircraft, attributing its mythical status to a confluence of factors: its cutting-edge technology, the abrupt termination of the program, and the subsequent destruction of the prototypes, which fueled conspiracy theories and a sense of national loss. Ultimately, the Arrow represents a potent symbol of unrealized potential and a reminder of a pivotal moment in Canadian technological and political history.
While the Wright brothers are widely credited with inventing the airplane, in Brazil, Alberto Santos-Dumont holds that honor. Brazilians argue that Santos-Dumont's 14-bis, unlike the Wright Flyer, achieved sustained, controlled flight without the assistance of launch rails or catapults, making it the first true airplane. This national pride is reflected in official records, educational materials, and public monuments, solidifying Santos-Dumont's legacy as the aviation pioneer in Brazil.
Hacker News users discuss the cultural and historical context around the invention of the airplane, acknowledging Brazil's strong belief that Alberto Santos-Dumont is the rightful inventor. Several commenters point out that the criteria for "invention" are debatable, with some emphasizing controlled, sustained flight (favoring the Wright brothers) while others prioritize public demonstrations and reproducibility (favoring Santos-Dumont). The complexities of patent law and differing standards of evidence also enter the discussion. Some users mention Santos-Dumont's open-source approach to his designs as a contributing factor to his popularity, contrasting it with the Wright brothers' more secretive approach. The general sentiment reflects an understanding of Brazil's perspective, even if not everyone agrees with it, and highlights how national narratives shape historical interpretations.
In the chaotic final days of the Vietnam War, South Vietnamese Air Force Major Buang-Ly loaded his wife, five children, and his mother onto a two-seat Cessna O-1 Bird Dog. Knowing Saigon was about to fall to the North Vietnamese, he desperately searched for the USS Midway. Locating the carrier, he dropped a note pleading for a clear deck and then skillfully landed the overloaded plane, a feat practically unheard of for such a small aircraft on a moving carrier. His daring act saved his family, and though the plane was pushed overboard to make room for other escaping helicopters, Ly's bravery became a symbol of resilience and desperation amidst the war's end.
HN commenters largely focused on the incredible feat of landing a Cessna O-1 on the USS Midway's deck, highlighting the pilot's skill and bravery given the plane's lack of tailhook and the small landing area. Some questioned the historical accuracy of the number of people onboard, citing conflicting accounts. Others discussed the chaos of the fall of Saigon and the desperation of refugees fleeing the communist regime, with some expressing sympathy for the pilot's plight while others debated the US's role in the Vietnam War and its aftermath. A few commenters shared personal anecdotes related to the evacuation or their own experiences with the O-1 aircraft, adding a personal dimension to the historical discussion. The logistics of getting the family off the carrier and the fate of the plane were also points of interest.
Summary of Comments ( 52 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43770228
HN commenters discuss the Avro Arrow's cancellation and its enduring legacy. Several express frustration over the decision, citing its advanced technology and the potential loss of a Canadian aerospace industry. Some debate the true capabilities of the Arrow and whether it was genuinely as revolutionary as claimed, pointing to potential cost overruns and changing geopolitical landscapes. Others lament the "brain drain" that followed, with many engineers and scientists leaving Canada for opportunities elsewhere. A few commenters offer alternative perspectives, suggesting that the cancellation, while unfortunate, was likely inevitable given the circumstances. The thread also touches on the romanticized view of the Arrow and the role of nationalism in its continued prominence in Canadian culture.
The Hacker News post titled "Sixty Years On, We Still Dream of the Arrow" has generated a moderate amount of discussion, with a number of commenters reflecting on the Avro Arrow program and its cancellation.
Several commenters discuss the political and economic context of the cancellation, with some arguing that the decision was short-sighted and driven by political maneuvering rather than sound strategic thinking. They point to the potential benefits the Arrow could have brought to Canada's aerospace industry and technological development. Some speculate about the "what-ifs" had the program continued, considering the potential impact on Canada's global standing and technological advancements.
A recurring theme is the "brain drain" that followed the cancellation, with many of the engineers and scientists involved in the project leaving Canada to pursue opportunities elsewhere, particularly in the United States. Commenters lament this loss of talent and its long-term impact on Canadian innovation.
Some commenters express skepticism about the feasibility of the Arrow program in the long run, even if it hadn't been cancelled. They question whether the project could have remained economically viable given the changing geopolitical landscape and the emergence of new technologies like ICBMs.
A few commenters delve into the technical aspects of the Arrow, discussing its design, capabilities, and potential. There's also discussion about the documentary evidence surrounding the cancellation and the various conspiracy theories that have emerged over the years.
While some express a sense of nostalgia and regret over the cancellation, others offer a more pragmatic perspective, suggesting that while the Arrow was a remarkable achievement, its cancellation was perhaps inevitable given the circumstances.
The most compelling comments tend to be those that offer well-reasoned arguments based on historical context and technical understanding, rather than simply expressing sentimental attachment to the project. Those that discuss the long-term implications of the cancellation for Canada's technological and economic development also stand out. However, there's no single "most compelling" comment, as the discussion provides a range of perspectives and insights into the complex legacy of the Avro Arrow.