At the Verticon 2026 exhibition in Atlanta, one of the most notable moments of this year’s helicopter industry took place: the French manufacturer Hélicoptères Guimbal officially unveiled its new multi-purpose helicopter, the Guimbal Cabri G5 (GrandCabri G5). This model represents a significant step forward for the company and its ambition to enter the light turbine helicopter segment.
A new generation building on the success of the Cabri G2
The G5 directly builds on the success of the two-seat Guimbal Cabri G2, which has established a strong position particularly in pilot training. The new model, however, takes the concept much further—it is a five-seat helicopter designed for a pilot and up to four passengers.
The goal of the design is to fill the gap between light piston-powered aircraft and larger turbine helicopters. According to the manufacturer, this “middle segment” has long been in demand by customers worldwide.
Turbine power and a focus on efficiency
A major change compared to its predecessor is the shift to a turbine engine. The G5 will be powered by the Safran Arrius 2D engine, delivering approximately 450 shp and equipped with a dual-channel FADEC system to reduce pilot workload.
This engine comes from the proven Arrius family, with millions of flight hours, ensuring high reliability and relatively low operating costs.
Preserving the “Cabri DNA”
Despite its larger size, the G5 retains key features characteristic of the smaller model:
- a multi-blade rotor system
- composite rotor blades
- a fenestron (enclosed tail rotor)
- a strong focus on safety and crashworthy design
These elements were carried over from the G2, which has accumulated more than 700,000 flight hours worldwide.
Strategic importance and cooperation with Airbus
The unveiling of the G5 was not only a technical milestone but also a strategic move. Airbus Helicopters simultaneously announced a minority investment in Guimbal, strengthening the long-standing cooperation between the two companies.
The new helicopter is expected to complement Airbus’s broader portfolio as an entry-level turbine model and create a natural progression between training aircraft and more advanced multi-role platforms.
Development and future of the project
The development of the Cabri G5 is already at an advanced stage—technical specifications have been finalized and production of the first prototypes has begun. Entry into service is expected before the end of this decade.
The manufacturer is targeting a wide range of applications:
- turbine transition training
- aerial work and surveillance
- rescue missions
- passenger transport
- seightseeing flights
Conclusion
The premiere of the Guimbal Cabri G5 at Verticon 2026 highlights the ongoing transformation of the light helicopter market. The new model combines the proven philosophy of the Cabri G2 with turbine performance and the ambition to become a key player in the transitional category between basic and advanced helicopters.
If the manufacturer delivers on its promises of performance, safety, and low operating costs, the G5 could become one of the most compelling projects in civil rotorcraft aviation this decade.
