The main innovation of the Dynalifter, Rist says, is its internal structure, which uses a central beam supported by cables from a tower, similar to the design of a cable-stay bridge.
"The design allows the craft to operate under a much wider envelope of loads and buoyant lift combination," Rist said.
The Dynalifter's substantial weight should allow it to withstand gusty winds, a problem encountered by most airships.
The airship is designed to land like a normal aircraft, decelerating on a runway as its weight is transferred from the wings to the tires. It needs no ground crew to catch and tie it down, which other airships require.
The prototype has cost U.S. $500,000 to design, build, and test—all of it coming from private donations.
"We consider [that] outstanding," Rist said. "It's not what a typical 120-foot aircraft costs these days."
Military Use
The aircraft's ability to land in short distances with high-volume cargo bays could make it ideal for shipping supplies to hard-to-reach areas and emergency situations, Rist says.
Places with poor road networks could also benefit.
"Like the cell phone has brought the third world to the communications era, the Dynalifter will allow freight to [avoid] infrastructure costs of road and train track," Rist said.
The aircraft could also have military uses, and Rist and Martin have met with Pentagon officials to discuss a possible partnership.
For now, the two men are focused on Dynalifter's maiden journey, which they hope to make this spring.
"We are very confident an airship with wings will fly," Rist said. "We have learned from other failed companies, and we believe this design will avoid the fate of all the other large airship projects of the past 60 years."
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