Helicopteres Guimbal has advanced development of the GrandCabri G5, its turbine helicopter first announced at Verticon 2026. The helicopter is configured for one pilot and up to four passengers and is intended for a broad range of missions.

The aircraft is designed to sit between light piston training helicopters and larger turbine models while expanding the Cabri family beyond the two-seat Cabri G2. Guimbal says the aircraft retains key Cabri design characteristics including a multi-bladed rotor system, composite blades, Fenestron tail rotor and crashworthy structure while introducing turbine performance.

Bruno Guimbal, founder and chief executive officer at Helicopteres Guimbal, says: “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. 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 also benefits from the Cabri G2’s extensive flight experience of 700,000 hours on 400 helicopters delivered in 40 countries.”

Power for the helicopter will come from the Safran Arrius 2D, a new 450 shp variant within the Arrius family developed specifically for the programme. The engine features dual-channel FADEC control designed to reduce pilot workload and will offer a 3,000-hour time between overhaul at entry into service.

Cédric Goubet, chief executive officer at Safran Helicopter Engines, says: “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.”

Airbus Helicopters has also taken a minority stake in Helicopteres Guimbal. The investment supports cooperation on the VSR700 uncrewed helicopter programme, which is entering serial production following a recent order from France.