Large freight-moving aircraft a possibility at airport

VIENNA — The founder of Dynalifter, a freight-moving aircraft in the line of a dirigible or blimp, will make a presentation to the Western Reserve Port Authority on Wednesday morning, seeking a partnership to allow the company to test and build the aircraft at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport.

Robert Rist, president of Ohio Airships Inc., said Monday that testing the aircraft at the airport could provide more than 500 jobs to the airport. If production of the aircraft were take place, employment could swell to 1,500, Rist said.

“We will have jobs for all skill sets, from welders, fabricators, riggers and administrative staffing,” Rist said.

A Dynalifter is a hybrid of helium airship and fixed-wing plane that offers low fuel costs and the potential to move freight at low cost, officials say. The aircraft could also move military and disaster relief cargo, Rist said.

Read more in Tuesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com