The Dynalifter, a hybrid airship that combines
aerodynamic lift -- wings and body lift -- with aerostatic
lift -- helium -- is under construction in Alliance, Ohio,
and is expected to be finished later this summer, according
to its builder, Ohio Airships. The 120-foot prototype is
about 75 percent assembled and the company says it has
funding for completion. The prototype is designed to carry a
1,000-pound payload, including a two-person crew, and will
take off and land from a runway. No ground crew is required,
as for a blimp. The Dynalifter could stay airborne for up to
10 hours, carry bulky payloads, and is cheap to build, the
company says. The aircraft could be used for airborne
advertising, border patrols and freight. The Dynalifter
prototype has a rigid airframe, with internal cells to hold
the helium. Even if all the helium was lost in flight, the
aircraft could land safely and under control, the company
says. Cockpit controls are similar to those in an airplane.
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