Designed and built in 1912, the revolutionary Avro Type F was the first aircraft in the world to feature a fully enclosed cockpit. It went against the accepted open cockpit biplane and triplane designs which were prevalent at the time as Avro was keen to explore new concepts. Critics predicted that the enclosed cockpit was a flawed concept because it would restrict the pilot’s field of view.

 

Despite reaching heights of up to 1,000 ft, the aircraft's overall performance was disappointing and it suffered extensive damage in a crash. The Viale engine is the only part of the original Avro Type F which survives and this is on display at the Science Museum in London.

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The replica Type F was built by the Roe Heritage Group and is on loan from the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester. It is displayed from the ceiling of the Avro Heritage Museum and visitors can enjoy excellent views of the aircraft from the balcony.