New five-seater Cabri
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.
The G5 builds directly on the successful two-seat Guimbal Cabri G2, which has gained a strong position particularly in pilot training. The newcomer, however, pushes the concept significantly further—it is a five-seat helicopter designed for a pilot and up to four passengers.
The design aims to fill the gap between light piston aircraft and larger turbine helicopters. According to the manufacturer, this "middle segment" has long been in demand from customers around the world.
The fundamental change compared with its predecessor is the switch to a turbine engine. The G5 will be powered by a Safran Arrius 2D of approximately 450 shp, equipped with a dual-channel FADEC system to reduce pilot workload.
This engine comes from the proven Arrius family with millions of flight hours logged, which should ensure high reliability and relatively low operating costs.
Despite its larger size, the G5 retains the characteristic features of the smaller model:
These elements have been carried over from the G2, which has more than 700,000 flight hours in service worldwide.
The unveiling of the G5 was not just a technical novelty but also a strategic move. Airbus Helicopters simultaneously announced a minority stake in Guimbal, strengthening the long-term cooperation between the two companies.
The new helicopter is meant to complement Airbus's broader portfolio as an entry-level model into the world of turbine aircraft, creating a logical bridge between training and multi-purpose platforms.
Development of the Cabri G5 is already at an advanced stage—technical specifications are locked in 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 uses:
The premiere of the Guimbal Cabri G5 at Verticon 2026 shows that the light helicopter market is undergoing a transformation. The new model combines the proven Cabri G2 philosophy with turbine performance and the ambition to become a key player in the transition category between basic and advanced helicopters.
If the manufacturer manages to deliver the promised combination of performance, safety and low cost, the G5 could become one of the most interesting projects in civil rotorcraft aviation of this decade.