29 Sep GB2 firefighting aircraft completes first flight

Game Aerospace has completed the first flight of its GB2 firefighting aircraft, marking a milestone in the development of the new aerial firefighting platform.

Game Aerospace has announced the successful first flight of its GB2, which it describes as the first purpose-built firefighting aircraft developed in the United States.

The flight was conducted from Louise Thaden Field in Bentonville, Arkansas, with the company reporting that the GB2 performed as expected and completed all planned initial evaluations.

The aircraft has an empty weight of 6,050 pounds and a maximum gross weight of 19,000 pounds. It is designed to carry 1,200 gallons of mission payload and 400 gallons of fuel.

A two-seat cockpit is intended to provide both training and operational flexibility.

The aircraft’s development could be of interest to fire and emergency services in Africa as they consider aerial capabilities for firefighting operations, although Game Aerospace has not yet announced plans for the GB2 to enter the African market.

The company says the aircraft has been designed specifically around the aerial firefighting mission, with the aim of providing a cost-effective solution.

“The GB2’s successful first flight is the result of years of engineering, craftsmanship, and dedication from our entire team, as well as great collaboration with the FAA,” said Philipp Steinbach, CEO, co-founder and test pilot.

“Our goal is to provide the world’s most cost-effective aerial firefighting solution—an aircraft designed from the outset around the mission.”

Flight testing will now continue as Game Aerospace advances the GB2 towards FAA Part 23 standard-category certification and production.