The Canadian Arrow first stage uses a reproduction WWII thrust chamber. Burning a mixture of alcohol and liquid oxygen, this motor will produce 57,000 lbs. of thrust at sea level. The engine is constructed of low carbon steel with propellant injectors made from brass.

Recovery of the first stage is initiated by using four "air brake flaps" located between each fin on the tail section. These air brakes will slow the first stage as it descends through the atmosphere. Four main parachute packs are stored directly behind each air brake panel, and these packs are ready to deploy after each air brake opens. Small solid propellant rockets pull out pilot chutes that deploy the main chutes. Each main parachute is 64 ft. in diameter and will slow the second stage for a splashdown on water at approximately 30 ft/sec. The first stage has positive buoyancy eliminating the need for flotation gear.