Safran Helicopter Engines and Helicopteres Guimbal have announced an exclusive partnership to power the new GrandCabri G5, a five-seat helicopter now under development as Guimbal expands beyond its two-seat Cabri G2.
The GrandCabri G5 will use the 450-shaft-horsepower Arrius 2D, a new variant of Safran’s Arrius engine family, according to Safran. The companies said the helicopter is designed to bridge the gap between the Cabri G2 and larger single-engine turbine helicopters, with entry into service planned before 2030.
Safran said the Arrius 2D draws on technologies from the broader Arrius family and is built around what it described as a proven gas generator intended to support a high level of maturity at entry into service. The engine will also feature specific integration with the G5 and a dual-channel FADEC designed to reduce pilot workload.
Safran said the Arrius 2D will enter service with a time between overhaul of 3,000 hours. GrandCabri G5 operators will also have access to Safran Helicopter Engines’ global support network and service offerings.
Bruno Guimbal, President and CEO of Helicopteres Guimbal, said the company wanted an engine that matched the French helicopter maker’s emphasis on modern and safe technology. He said the GrandCabri G5 is intended to create a link between the Cabri G2, which he described as a trainer for pilots moving into larger multi-bladed helicopters, and the most popular single-engine turbine helicopters used in multi-mission roles.
Guimbal said the company sees strong interest in the new aircraft from operators and believes the G5 will help form what he called a seamless family of modern helicopters for future civilian and military missions.
Cédric Goubet, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines, said the partnership gives Guimbal a propulsion solution with a high level of maturity at entry into service. He also described the Arrius as a proven and reliable engine for the light helicopter segment.
Safran said the Arrius family has logged more than 14 million flight hours, with more than 4,400 engines delivered to 430 customers in 60 countries. The company said the family covers a power range from 450 to 750 shaft horsepower and serves the light single and twin-engine helicopter market.
