Game Aerospace GB2: Pioneering the Skies as America’s First Dedicated Firefighting Aircraft
General aviation startup Game Aerospace marked a significant achievement this week. Its GB2 Stormbird successfully completed its inaugural flight on September 23, 2026, taking off from Louise Thaden Field (KVBT) in Bentonville, Arkansas. The GB2 is hailed as the first purpose-built aerial firefighting aircraft to be developed in the United States. Unlike its predecessors, it was designed specifically for wildfire suppression rather than being modified from an agricultural or cargo platform.
Philipp Steinbach, the company’s CEO, co-founder, and test pilot, was at the helm during this historic flight. According to the company, the flight went as planned and all initial evaluations were successfully completed. The composite aircraft is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67F turboprop engine, boasting 1,800 equivalent shaft horsepower. It features a tandem two-seat cockpit and has a maximum takeoff weight of 19,000 pounds. The GB2 can carry 1,200 gallons of water or fire retardant and cruises at approximately 200 knots when fully loaded. Its avionics suite is equipped with Garmin equipment and a GFC 600 autopilot, designed to reduce pilot workload during transit flights to and from wildfires.
With this milestone, Game Aerospace is set to expand its flight test program. The company is working towards obtaining the FAA Part 23 standard-category certification. Its mission is to provide a faster, more cost-effective initial attack aircraft for wildland firefighting operations not only across the U.S. but also globally.
Source: AVweb — Game Aerospace GB2 Makes First Flight