The innovations of Dr. Karl Arnstein, an aerospace industry pioneer, form the foundation for lighter-than-air technology in use today.

His mathematical proof and application of modern stress analysis allowed the construction of larger, stronger rigid airships.

Born in Prague, he led airship design at the Zeppelin Company in Germany.

Dr. Arnstein immigrated to Akron, Ohio, in 1924 to serve as vice-president of engineering at Goodyear-Zeppelin Corporation.

With his team of twelve German immigrant engineers, Arnstein oversaw development of the Navy's dirigibles Akron and Macon.

He received 35 U.S. aviation related patents, from designs for hollow metal girders to an aerodynamic airship hanger, the Airdock in Akron.

From 1940 until retirement in 1957, Dr. Arnstein headed engineering at Goodyear Aircraft Corporation, a leading aerospace contractor, which produced more than 200 Navy blimps, 4,000 Corsair fighter planes, plus airplane and missile parts.