Identification & Site Information
•Type of Wreck: Bombardic Missile (Aerospace Artifact)
•Location: Point Petre, Lake Ontario
•Coordinates: Exact coordinates undisclosed for preservation purposes
•Site Status: Located in 2001 during searches for Avro Arrow test models
Artifact Type Description
The Bombardic Missile is an aerospace artifact from the Cold War era, representing a key aspect of Canada’s mid-20th-century military research and development. Unlike traditional shipwrecks, this missile was part of advanced weapons testing conducted at Point Petre, Ontario. Designed for military applications, these tests were pivotal for technological innovation during a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, contributing to Canada’s defensive and strategic capabilities.
History
Point Petre, along the southern shoreline of Lake Ontario, was a critical military testing site during the Cold War. It served as a launch point for experiments with cutting-edge aerospace technology, including missile systems like the Bombardic Missile and test models for the Avro Arrow fighter program.
Missile Testing:
•The Bombardic Missile was part of a series of experiments aimed at testing range, reliability, and functionality under operational conditions.
•These tests often involved launching over Lake Ontario, with many missiles intentionally destroyed or lost. The remains were assumed to have settled on the lakebed.
Discovery:
In 2001, while conducting searches for Avro Arrow test models, underwater explorers unexpectedly discovered the Bombardic Missile. This find provided a unique window into Canada’s missile testing activities, which had largely been overshadowed by the more famous Avro Arrow program.
Final Disposition
The Bombardic Missile remains submerged at its discovery site in Lake Ontario, preserving its condition as an important artifact of Cold War-era military research. Efforts to document and study the missile contribute to a deeper understanding of Canada’s technological advancements during this period.
NOTMARs & Advisories
•No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are linked to the site.
•Mariners and divers are advised to exercise caution due to the potential presence of unexploded ordnance or hazardous materials from historical military testing.
Located By & Date
•Discovery: 2001
•Discovered By: A team searching for Avro Arrow test models.
Resources & Links
•Canadian War Museum: Cold War History in Canada
•Ontario Heritage Trust: Military Testing Sites in Ontario
•Raise the Arrow Project: Related discoveries and documentation
Analysis
The discovery of the Bombardic Missile underscores the broader significance of Point Petre as a Cold War testing site, not only for the Avro Arrow but also for missile technology development. This artifact is a tangible representation of the era’s focus on military innovation and technological competition.
While initially overshadowed by the search for Avro Arrow components, the missile’s presence on the lakebed adds depth to our understanding of Canada’s contributions to aerospace and defense advancements. Its preservation emphasizes the importance of studying and documenting Cold War-era artifacts to maintain a comprehensive historical record.
Keywords
•Bombardic Missile
•Point Petre
•Lake Ontario Aerospace Artifacts
•Cold War Military Testing
•Avro Arrow Discoveries
•Canadian Defense History
•Missile Research
•Raise the Arrow Project
The Bombardic Missile stands as a unique piece of Canadian military history, providing valuable insight into the technological ambitions and strategic priorities of the Cold War era.