Safran Arrius 2D
The turbine heart of the new GrandCabri
The upcoming five-seat Guimbal Cabri G5 (GrandCabri) uses the Safran Arrius 2D turboshaft with dual-channel FADEC. It belongs to the established Arrius family, familiar to operators of the Airbus H120, H135, Bell 505 and a wide range of light turbine helicopters. This page summarises what the Arrius 2D does and what it means for training, operation and cost.
Specifications
Values are drawn from public Safran Helicopter Engines materials and may differ for the certified Cabri G5 configuration. Actual limits are always defined by the aircraft flight manual.
Key features
Dual-channel FADEC
Single-lever power management, automatic limit protection and a hands-off start sequence.
High power, low weight
≈ 504 shp from a ~114 kg engine gives the Cabri G5 a real power margin in hot-and-high conditions.
Jet A-1 fuel
Jet fuel is widely available at airports and safer than the AVGAS 100LL burned by piston Cabri G2 or Robinson trainers.
Europe-wide support
Safran Helicopter Engines runs a dense service network across Europe, including owner support programmes.
Turbine vs. piston — what changes vs. Cabri G2
Fuel. The Cabri G2 burns AVGAS 100LL in a piston Lycoming O-360. The Arrius 2D in the Cabri G5 runs on Jet A-1 — widely available, cheaper per litre and safer (lower volatility, higher flash point).
Power and useful load. Around 504 shp from a ~114 kg engine gives the Cabri G5 a margin no two-seat piston ever had — five seats, full tanks, a hot summer afternoon in the mountains.
Piloting. FADEC handles start, rotor RPM and limit protection. There is no mixture lever, no manual carb heat — the pilot focuses on the flying task. The step from Cabri G2 to Cabri G5 is more approachable than the change of category suggests.
Maintenance. Turbines offer longer inspection intervals and cleaner monitoring (FADEC/engine data streams). Purchase price and overhaul cost are, on the other hand, higher — the economics work primarily for five-seat operations, not for pure two-seat training.
Service and maintenance in the Czech Republic
Lionheli is an authorised Part-145 and CAMO Part-CAO organisation for the Cabri family. Arrius 2D support will be introduced alongside the Cabri G5 in cooperation with Safran Helicopter Engines' Europe-wide service network.
Service & CAMOFAQ
Which engine powers the Guimbal Cabri G5?
The new five-seat Cabri G5 (GrandCabri) uses the Safran Arrius 2D turboshaft with dual-channel FADEC — the same engine family that powers versions of the Airbus H125.
Is the Safran Arrius 2D reliable?
The Arrius family is a well-established Safran turboshaft with decades of operational experience. FADEC reduces pilot-induced errors and continuous engine data monitoring supports predictive maintenance.
What fuel does the Arrius 2D use?
Standard Jet A, Jet A-1 or JP-8. Jet fuel is widely available at civil airports and is cheaper and safer than the AVGAS 100LL used by piston helicopters like the Robinson R22/R44 or Cabri G2.
How does turbine operating cost compare with a piston helicopter?
A turbine has a higher purchase price and overhaul cost, but lower fuel cost per kg and better reliability. On a two-seat trainer a piston engine usually wins on economics; on a five-seat Cabri G5 the turbine makes sense thanks to power and useful load.
Where will the Arrius 2D be serviced in the Czech Republic?
Lionheli is an authorised Part-145 and CAMO Part-CAO organisation for the Cabri family. Support for the Arrius 2D will be phased in alongside Cabri G5 introduction, in cooperation with the Safran Helicopter Engines network.
Interested in the Cabri G5?
Register your interest in the new five-seat GrandCabri with the Safran Arrius 2D turboshaft. We'll get in touch as soon as the manufacturer confirms timing and specifications.