Game Aerospace GB2 firefighting aircraft completes first flight

Game Aerospace has successfully completed the first flight of its GB2, a single-engine aircraft designed specifically for aerial firefighting. The maiden flight took place at Louise Thaden Field in Bentonville, Arkansas, with CEO and test pilot Philipp Steinbach at the controls.

The GB2 is a composite aircraft featuring a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67F turboprop engine. It is designed to carry an operational load of 1,200 gallons of water or retardant, alongside a 400-gallon fuel capacity. The aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 19,000 pounds and a wingspan of 67 feet.

Developed to improve the speed and efficiency of initial wildfire attacks, the aircraft includes a tandem cockpit with dual controls and Garmin avionics. The company is currently pursuing FAA Part 23 certification as flight testing continues.