- Game Aerospace’s GB2 has completed its first flight, with the company now progressing towards FAA certification and production.
- The aircraft carries 1,200 gallons of mission payload and 400 gallons of fuel, with a maximum gross weight of 19,000 pounds.
- The development could be of interest to Middle Eastern fire services developing aerial firefighting capabilities for challenging and remote environments.
Game Aerospace has completed the first flight of its GB2 firefighting aircraft, marking a milestone in the development of what the company describes as the first purpose-built firefighting aircraft developed in the United States.
The flight took place at Louise Thaden Field in Bentonville, Arkansas, with Game Aerospace 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 alongside 400 gallons of fuel.
The GB2 features a two-seat cockpit, which the company says provides both training and operational flexibility.
For fire services operating across the Middle East, the development is of interest as countries in the region continue to develop aerial capabilities for responding to fires in challenging and remote environments. Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense has highlighted the role of firefighting aircraft in rugged terrain and remote areas, while aerial firefighting operations in the UAE have also included challenging terrain.
Game Aerospace says the aircraft has been designed around the firefighting mission, with CEO, co-founder and test pilot Philipp Steinbach describing the goal as providing a cost-effective aerial firefighting 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 Steinbach.
Flight testing will now continue as Game Aerospace advances the GB2 towards FAA Part 23 standard-category certification and production.
