HELICOPTERES GUIMBAL launches the GrandCabri G5

ATLANTA, Georgia - At a joint press conference held during the Verticon 2026 expo,  Helicopteres Guimbal officially announced the full-scale development of  the GrandCabri G5.  

This all-new, five-seat, turbine-powered, multi-bladed helicopter is set to redefine the  entry-level market. The G5 will be exclusively powered by Safran’s new Arrius 2D. 

Building on the global success of the two-seat Cabri G2, the GrandCabri G5 represents  a major leap for the French manufacturer. Designed with a highly versatile cabin capable  of accommodating one pilot and up to four passengers, the G5 can carry out a large  range of missions and provide an intermediate helicopter between light piston trainers  and heavier turbine models. 

“By listening closely to our customers worldwide, we identified a strong demand for a  modern, versatile, and powerful multi-bladed helicopter that bridges the gap between  the Cabri G2 and the H125’’, said Bruno Guimbal, Founder & CEO of Helicopteres  Guimbal. “The GrandCabri G5 perfectly meets this demand. It retains the G2’s core  DNA - high-maneuverability, multi-bladed rotor, composite blades, Fenestron®, and a  crashworthy structure - while offering the performance of a state-of-the-art turbine at a  significantly reduced operating cost. It benefits from the Cabri G2’s extensive flight experience of 700,000 hours on 400 helicopters delivered in 40 countries – an  experience that confirms it as the safest piston helicopter ever made”.  

The G5 will be powered by the Arrius 2D, a new 450 shp variant of the Safran Arrius 2  family. Its specific integration with the G5 and its dual-channel FADEC will reduce the  pilot's workload. With more than 4,400 engines delivered and more than 14 million flight  hours, the Arrius maturity and robustness have been largely demonstrated in operation. 

"We are particularly pleased to enter into this exclusive partnership with Helicopteres  Guimbal to power the new GrandCabri G5, their first turbine-powered helicopter. With  the Arrius engine, Guimbal has chosen a proven and reliable propulsion solution with a  high level of maturity at entry into service," said Cédric Goubet, Safran Helicopter  Engines CEO. 

In parallel with the G5 launch, Airbus Helicopters has acquired a minority stake in  Helicopteres Guimbal, notably to support the VSR700 programme which is now entering serial production following the recent order from France. 

“We have capitalised on a decade of successful cooperation with Guimbal on the  VSR700,” said Stefan Thomé, EVP of Programmes at Airbus Helicopters. We trust their  ability to develop a safe and efficient helicopter. The GrandCabri G5 serves as an entry  point, complementing Airbus Helicopters' unique range of civil and military helicopters.” 

Development of the G5 is well underway, with entry into service planned before the end  of the decade. The company confirmed that the detailed technical specifications are  frozen, and the first "metal cutting" for the tooling and prototype has already begun. ​

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