Guimbal Cabri G2

Bruno Guimbal began designing a two-seat reciprocating engine helicopter during the 1980s while working at Eurocopter, incorporating features like the Fenestron anti-torque tail rotor, Spheriflex main rotor, and a composite fuselage. Eurocopter sponsored the program in the early 1990s, providing technical assistance. The first prototype, Cabri G2-01, conducted its first flight in April 1992. Bruno Guimbal left Eurocopter in 2000 to establish Hélicoptères Guimbal, with facilities at Aix-en-Provence Aerodrome, France, to certify and produce the Cabri G2. Following a six-year development program and 300 hours of flight testing, the Cabri G2 received type certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in December 2007, making it the first twin-seat reciprocating-engine helicopter to be certified in more than 30 years. The first production Cabri performed its first flight in March 2005. The Cabri G2 received type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in February 2015.

Design

The Cabri G2 is a two-seat light helicopter featuring a three-bladed fully articulated main rotor, advancing clockwise, and a Fenestron-type tail rotor. The rotor blades are constructed from composite materials. The skid landing gear is attached to the fuselage via elastomeric mounts. The fuselage is of an all-composite monocoque construction. The Electronic Pilot Management (EPM) system provides digital instrumentation using three monitors for aircraft and engine information. Safety features include a crash-worthy design, four-way trim system, energy-absorbent structure and seats, automatic carburetor ice-protection system, a crash-resistant fuel tank, and autorotation capabilities.

Operational History

The first official delivery was to iXAir, a French operator, in September 2008. Precision Helicopters became the launch customer for the North American market in February 2014. By February 2016, the United Kingdom operated 14 Cabris, with a projected increase to 28 by the end of the year. By early 2015, the Cabri was in service with 32 operators worldwide, with orders for an additional 100 aircraft. The 200th Cabri was delivered to HeliGroup in May 2017, bringing the U.K. fleet to 28. In 2015, 70% of Cabri rotorcraft sold were for training purposes. On 17 November 2017, a mid-air collision occurred between a Cessna 152 and a Cabri G2 in the UK, resulting in four fatalities. On November 8, 2020, two Cabri G2 helicopters collided mid-air in Malaysia during training flights, killing two people.

Variants

Main Variants:

• Cabri G2-01: The first prototype, which achieved a world record distance for helicopters under 500 kg in 1996.

• Orka 1200: A vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed in cooperation with Eurocopter, intended for military use.

• VSR700: An Airbus Helicopters naval UAV, powered by a 155-hp Continental CD-155 engine.

• Unmanned variants: Developed via a joint venture called Vertivision, these models use an advanced autopilot system derived from the Eurocopter EC725.

• Production Cabri G2: Certified by the EASA in December 2007, it became the first twin-seat reciprocating-engine helicopter to be certified in more than 30 years.