The Starfire Firebolt, also known as the Firebolt Convertible or the MacKenzie Skybolt, is a modern American aerobatic biplane designed for amateur construction from plans or kits. Developed in the 1990s, the aircraft was created by designer G. H. “Mac” McKenzie. The design is a high-performance evolution of the classic Skybolt-style aerobatic biplane, intended for serious sport aerobatics rather than basic flight training.
Unlike factory-produced certified aircraft, the Firebolt was marketed by Starfire Aviation of Tempe, Arizona, as a homebuilt project. Because it is a plans-built aircraft, there was no centralized production line; instead, individual builders constructed their own aircraft. While a precise global production total is unavailable, records from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) U.S. civil register indicate that nine Firebolt aircraft were registered at one time, with eight of those remaining registered as of March 2014.
The aircraft is distinguished by its "convertible" nature, featuring a cockpit canopy that can be quickly removed to allow the pilot to operate the aircraft in either an open-cockpit or enclosed configuration. The airframe is a tandem two-seat biplane utilizing interplane struts, cabane struts, and flying wires. It is powered by a single Lycoming IO-540 six-cylinder, horizontally opposed, air-cooled, four-stroke piston engine producing 300 hp (220 kW). This powerplant provides the Firebolt with significant performance for its class, including a maximum speed of 235 mph and a rate of climb of 4,000 ft/min.
Technically, the Firebolt has a wingspan of 24 ft 0 in and a length of 21 ft 3 in, with a wing area of 150.0 sq ft. Its empty weight is 1,325 lb, with a maximum loaded weight of 2,000 lb and a useful load of 675 lb. The aircraft is capable of reaching a service ceiling of 18,000 ft and has a range of 500 miles. Its short-field capabilities are highlighted by a take-off distance of approximately 400 ft and a landing distance of about 800 ft. The aircraft is used exclusively for civil sport and aerobatic flying, with no documented military service.