The Later Cold War
A Changing Fleet

Canada's navy changed and shrank in the latter part of the Cold War, but continued to face threats and meet alliance obligations. Despite the addition of some newer vessels, by the late 1970s it faced "rust-out" due to the gradual deterioration of ships and equipment.

HMCS Bras d'Or

The Canadian-designed and -built hydrofoil HMCS Bras d'Or could operate at high speed, running on its partially submerged foils.

At higher speeds, the foils projecting below the ship lifted the Bras d'Or clear of the surface, greatly reducing the drag caused by moving the ship's hull through the water. At such times, the front foil steered the ship, while a gas turbine engine (centre) provided power for the propellers mounted in the rear foil that drove the ship through the water at speeds of up to 60 knots (110 kilometres per hour).

Naval Museum of Alberta