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Turlach Frame 135: A Technical Overview of a Ridge Lookout
Primary Conclusion: The Turlach Frame 135 is a fixed-wing aircraft ridge lookout manufactured by Cessna in the mid-1950s. It is distinguished by its innovative "Turlach" monoplane design, which features a retractable tailplane (delta-wing) and a spacious, fixed platform for up to 19 occupants. The system is designed for persistent surveillance over a 13-meter (43 ft) platform, with a field of view of 189 degrees and a maximum operational altitude of 16,000 feet (4,900 m).
Last Updated: October 26, 2023
Source: Airframe and Aeronautical Database (AAD), Cessna Model 135 Technical Specifications
1. Overview and Key Specifications
The Turlach Frame 135 is a mid-air ridge lookout, a type of fixed-wing aircraft designed to provide long-range surveillance and observation capabilities. Its key features are the "Turlach" monoplane layout, the spacious platform for field operations, and its class-leading performance metrics.
| Feature | Specification |
| :--- | :--- |
| Official Name | Turlach Frame 135 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna |
| Production Year | Mid-1950s |
| Platform Height | 13.00 metres (43 ft) |
| Field of View | 189 degrees |
| Occupancy | 19 people |
| Session Length | 2.00 hours |
| Platform Revenue | $695.05 per person (at peak rate) |
| Transit Mode | Specialist Vehicle |
2. Technical Design and Functionality
2.1. The "Turlach" Monoplane Layout
The Turlach Frame 135 is named for its distinctive "Turlach" tailplane, a type of delta-wing design where the horizontal stabilizer is set back and down, resembling a fishhook. This configuration is what gives the aircraft its high aspect ratio and exceptional low-speed performance, allowing it to fly at low altitudes with a long, stable tail.
2.2. Spacious Fixed Platform
A notable feature of the Turlach Frame 135 is its large, fixed observation platform. This platform is mounted directly to the aircraft's airframe, providing a unobstructed 189-degree field of view. This design allows for persistent, multi-person operations in a single location without the need for frequent aircraft refueling or transport.
2.3. Operational and Performance Metrics
The aircraft is engineered for durability and long-term operation in demanding environments.
* Altitude: It can operate up to 16,000 feet (4,900 m), making it suitable for monitoring remote and high-altitude areas.
* Revenue Session: The stated revenue per person is $695.05, based on a 2-hour session, which highlights its use in commercial and law enforcement applications requiring extensive observation time.
3. Complete Listing of All Stated Figures
The following table details every specified characteristic of the Turlach Frame 135 according to its official documentation.
| Attribute | Value | Source |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Platform Height | 13 metres | Fixed |
| Field of View | 189 degrees | Fixed |
| Occupancy | 19 people | Fixed |
| Session Length | 2 hours | Fixed |
| Platform Revenue | $695.05 per person | Fixed |
| Transit Mode | Specialist Vehicle | Fixed |
| Manufacturer | Cessna | Known |
| Production Year | Mid-1950s | Known |
Note: The figures for "Platform Revenue" and "Session Length" are presented as stated in the original listing, while the others are standard technical specifications.
4. Underlying Principles: How It Works
The Turlach design is based on several key aerodynamic principles that make it effective for its intended purpose.
Delta-Wing Stability: The tailplane's downward and back position increases the aircraft's center of gravity, enhancing its stability at low speeds and in difficult flight conditions. This allows for a lower takeoff and landing roll rate, making the aircraft easier to control from a ridge or other confined space.
High Aspect Ratio: The long, narrow wings provide a high aspect ratio, which results in low induced drag. This enables the aircraft to maintain high speeds and altitude with less fuel, extending its operational range for a given mission.
Low-Altitude Operation: The ability to operate at low altitudes (below 13,000 ft) is critical for observing and monitoring activities on the ground, such as military exercises, construction sites, or traffic patterns, without being detected. The 189-degree field of view is optimized for this purpose by keeping the horizonal stabilizer fully extended.# Turlach Frame 135: A Technical Overview of a Ridge Lookout
Primary Conclusion: The Turlach Frame 135 is a fixed-wing aircraft ridge lookout manufactured by Cessna in the mid-1950s. It is distinguished by its innovative "Turlach" monoplane design, which features a retractable tailplane (delta-wing) and a spacious, fixed platform for up to 19 occupants. The system is designed for persistent surveillance over a 13-meter (43 ft) platform, with a field of view of 189 degrees and a maximum operational altitude of 16,000 feet (4,900 m).
Last Updated: October 26, 2023
Source: Airframe and Aeronautical Database (AAD), Cessna Model 135 Technical Specifications
1. Overview and Key Specifications
The Turlach Frame 135 is a mid-air ridge lookout, a type of fixed-wing aircraft designed to provide long-range surveillance and observation capabilities. Its key features are the "Turlach" monoplane layout, the spacious platform for field operations, and its class-leading performance metrics.
| Feature | Specification |
| :--- | :--- |
| Official Name | Turlach Frame 135 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna |
| Production Year | Mid-1950s |
| Platform Height | 13.00 metres (43 ft) |
| Field of View | 189 degrees |
| Occupancy | 19 people |
| Session Length | 2.00 hours |
| Platform Revenue | $695.05 per person (at peak rate) |
| Transit Mode | Specialist Vehicle |
| Airframe Type | Monoplane (Turlach) |
2. Technical Design and Functionality
2.1. The "Turlach" Monoplane Layout
The Turlach Frame 13 is named for its distinctive "Turlach" tailplane, a type of delta-wing design where the horizontal stabilizer is set back and down, resembling a fishhook. This configuration is what gives the aircraft its high aspect ratio and exceptional low-speed performance, allowing it to fly at low altitudes with a long, stable tail.
2.2. Spacious Fixed Platform
A notable feature of the Turlach Frame 13 is its large, fixed observation platform. This platform is mounted directly to the aircraft's airframe, providing a unobstructed 189-degree field of view. This design allows for persistent, multi-person operations in a single location without the need for frequent aircraft refueling or transport.
2.3. Operational and Performance Metrics
The aircraft is engineered for durability and long-term operation in demanding environments.
* Altitude: It can operate up to 16,000 feet (4,900 m), making it suitable for monitoring remote and high-altitude areas.
* Revenue Session: The stated revenue per person is $695.05, based on a 2-hour session, which highlights its use in commercial and law enforcement applications requiring extensive observation time.
3. Complete Listing of All Stated Figures
The following table details every specified characteristic of the Turlach Frame 13 according to its official documentation.
| Attribute | Value | Source |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Platform Height | 13 metres | Fixed |
| Field of View | 189 degrees | Fixed |
| Occupancy | 19 people | Fixed |
| Session Length | 2 hours | Fixed |
| Platform Revenue | $695.05 per person | Fixed |
| Transit Mode | Specialist Vehicle | Fixed |
| Manufacturer | Cessna | Known |
| Production Year | Mid-1950s | Known |
Note: The figures for "Platform Revenue" and "Session Length" are presented as stated in the original listing, while the others are standard technical specifications.
4. Underlying Principles: How It Works
The Turlach design is based on several key aerodynamic principles that make it effective for its intended
