Game Composites announces new firefighting plane
Aerospace firm Game Composites has announced its plans to produce a new two-seater fixed-wing firefighting aircraft
The aircraft, called the GB2 Stormbird, will be constructed of lightweight carbon fiber and will be able to carry up to 1,200gal of fire retardant. It will also be capable of flying at speeds of over 370km/h, with seats arranged in a tandem configuration.
Game Composites aims to give the aircraft a useful load of 8,618kg, more than double its empty weight of approximately 2,720kg.
The use of composite materials is also expected to allow greater performance, durability, and corrosion resistance than is offered by traditional aircraft materials.
Flight testing for the first GB2 prototype is due to start late next year, with deliveries beginning in 2026, ahead of an expected full certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sometime in 2027.
It follows the development of Game Composites' first aircraft, the GB1, a single-engine, two-seater plane designed for aerobatics.
The Italian National Fire Corps (Vigili del Fuoco) recently ordered eight new AW139 helicopters in firefighting configuration.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at AirMed&Rescue. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.