Some of you may be aware that the issue of accurate thrust and fuel consumption figures has been a concern of ours for quite a while now. We have independent tests (GTBA, magazines) showing figures for our engines which confirm our advertised figures. However, we are aware that some of our competitors over-estimate thrust and under-estimate fuel consumption and so we took our evidence for this to the UK Trading Standards, who control advertising claims, and registered a complaint.
Their response was that they could not do anything about it as there is no controlling body or international standards for miniature jet engines, so effectively companies can claim what they like and if they claim "It performed like this on our test equipment" there is nothing anyone can do about it. There are accepted rules and tests for things like miles-per-gallon claims in car adverts because the car industry has regulatory bodies who make the rules and do the tests. The miniature jet industry does not have any national or international organisations with these powers.

As we see it, this situation gives problems for both customers and manufacturers. For the customer, there is an uncertainty as to whether advertised figures are correct. For the manufacturers there is the problem that a competitor can make their engine appear more efficient and persuade the customers that they are getting a better engine when it is, in fact, an inferior product.

There doesn't appear to be much we can do about this situation, except to make people aware of it. It's very difficult for us as a manufacturer to do very much, as it could be seen as bashing the competition. We really need the fliers to take the initiative. Any ideas?

Sara Parish
Wren Turbines