The French rotorcraft manufacturer Helicopteres Guimbal is developing a new five-seat aircraft, the Grand Cabri G5, unveiled at the Verticon exhibition. This model aims to compete in the segments currently served by Robinson R66 and Bell 505, addressing a market gap between Guimbal's existing G2 and larger industry offerings. The G5 project builds upon the success of the G2, which has sold over 400 units and is popular for training purposes.
Guimbal confirmed that the G5 will utilize a Safran Arrius 2D turboshaft engine and carry design cues from the G2, such as a rear-mounted engine, Fenestron ducted tail rotor, and low-aspect-ratio rotor blades. The company has finalized the aircraft configuration and built tooling at its facility near Airbus Helicopters’ Marignane site. Nonetheless, a certification or first flight timeline has not been fixed, with hopes of reaching certification by the end of the decade, according to founder Bruno Guimbal.
Market Potential and Development Vision
The G5 is envisioned as a competitor to the Robinson R66, Bell 505, and Hill HX/HC50, with the potential to serve civil and military training roles. Guimbal intends to equip the aircraft with Garmin's G500 avionics and emphasize noise reduction, aiming to produce the quietest helicopter in its class. Guimbal expressed a philosophy akin to Robinson's, stressing that the aircraft will be ready when it is truly ready.
"The aircraft will be ready when it is ready," said Bruno Guimbal.
The project’s progress is underscored by Guimbal's recent strategic investment from Airbus, which maintains an important stake in the company but does not extend this to the G5. The company hopes the G5 will appeal to G2 owners eager for a larger aircraft and may eventually replace the H120 in French Army training operations. Overall, the G5 aims to be a quiet, efficient, and versatile rotorcraft for a variety of roles, with commercial certification anticipated by the end of the decade.
