GB2 Stormbird: A Revolutionary Leap in Aerial Firefighting

Wildfire fighting has welcomed a groundbreaking addition to its arsenal. Game Aerospace, headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, has successfully completed the maiden flight of its pioneering GB2 Stormbird—the first-ever purpose-built aerial firefighting aircraft in the United States. This momentous flight took place on September 23, 2026, at Louise Thaden Field (KVBT) in Bentonville, with company CEO, co-founder, and test pilot Philipp Steinbach at the helm.

Unlike the majority of existing single-engine airtankers—many of which are modified agricultural designs like the Air Tractor AT-802—the GB2 has been designed from scratch to cater to the specific requirements of wildfire suppression. This composite aircraft is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67F turboprop engine and boasts a remarkable carrying capacity of 1,200 gallons of water or retardant along with 400 gallons of fuel. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 19,000 pounds and can reach a cruise speed of up to 210 KIAS. The aircraft’s tandem two-seat cockpit, equipped with flight and engine controls at both positions, makes it suitable for both training and operational missions.

Game Aerospace is set to further expand its flight test program as it strives for FAA Part 23 standard-category certification and full-scale production. Among the confirmed customers are Coastal Air Strike, Boedeker Flying Service, Dauntless Air, and South Australia’s Aerotech Group.

Source: AVweb – Game Aerospace GB2 Makes First Flight, September 2026