Kero start
 

Good to see Wren in the Turbine forum.

When will your Kero start turbines be on sale? its the only thing stopping me buying one.

Mike

RE: Kero start
 

Mike,
We will be unveiling the 120/160 Kero start system very soon!!
Cheers!!

RE: Kero start
 

Unfortunately Wren UK have been saying that for over a eighteen months so it does not tell me anything, can you be more specific.

Mike

RE: Kero start
 

We haven't been saying "soon" we've been saying "We've got it on the test engines, but we aren't 100% confident with it and it isn't ready yet". However, we can now say "It will be available soon" ... and we mean it!

Sara Parish
Wren Turbines

RE: Kero start
 

Sara,

WIll there be Kero Start for the MW44?

Many Thanks,
=Adrian=

RE: Kero start
 

And will the Kero start be internal or external on new turbines or future updates?

Mike

RE: Kero start
 

Kero start will be external. The 160 and 120 will be the first engines to use it, and there will be an official announcement soon. We don't yet have a timeframe for the smaller engines to change to kerostart.

Sara Parish
Wren Turbines

RE: Kero start
 

Hello Sara and Ron,

Please, what do you mean by "It will be available soon", couple of days, weeks, months...

I know Gaspar Espiell used same words.

Best regards,

Alain

RE: Kero start
 

It won't be a couple of days, but we hope the timeframe is now in weeks rather than months.

Sara Parish
Wren Turbines

RE: Kero start
 

As you know, Wren will NOT release a product until it is correct. Having stated this, Mike and I have agreed that the current kero has room for improvement. It simply isn't worth the risk....
We demonstrated the prototype at Open House last weekend, with great results....but the system still needs to be put into the field and used in different conditions to ensure trouble free operation for our customers.

Thank you for your patience!!!

RE: Kero start
 

Hello,

I got the following information on the Wren forum

"Yes, there is news! The Wren 160 is now available with the Projet ECU, and a kerostart version using this ECU will be available in the New Year. The Projet kerostart is tried and tested, has been available with Behotec and Frank turbines for quite a long time, and we have our own hardware which is working well."

and this one in the Wren US website

"During our recent open day, we demonstrated the new Wren 160 Pro. This design features a completely new ECU from ProJet. Among the features of the Pro are real time telemetry options, much better throttle response and smoother starts. A new motor mount strap design is also now standard. Fuel burn and published thrust figures remain the same."

What about the today owners ?
Do you plan to replace the ECU under warranty ? if not at what cost ?

Best regards,

Alain

RE: Kero start
 

There is no problem with the FADEC ECUs and we are not suggesting that people change them. We have changed to the Projet for the 160 because there are more options like telemetry and kero start.

The Wren 160 Pro will be a more expensive engine than the previous version with the FADEC. It may be possible to change the ECU for existing customers, but there will be a cost. We are looking at the possibility of retro-fitting kerostart if people buy the Projet ECU, but this is likely to require internal parts upgrading and may not be feasible.

Sara Parish
Wren Turbines

RE: Kero start
 

As Sara has indicated, the Pro version is the progression of Wren Turbines to continue the evolution
of their motors. As Mike Murphy stated at our recent Open Day: "Today's standing still is tomorrows going backwards!"

RE: Kero start
 

Hello Wren staff,

I am very disapointed by your answers.
I bought a Wren 160 turbine because I trust Wren when Sara told me that kerostart would be soon available, it was almost one year ago.
As far as I understood Gaspar should soon release a retrofit for the Merlin 160.
You cannot let your "new old" Wren 160 customer in that situation.

Regards,

Alain

RE: Kero start
 

Hello Wren,

I know what happened at Wren but it is not a reason to let us without any clear answer.
Is is possible YES or NO to retro-fitting kerostart ? when ?
I would like to get my turbine updated with the new coming flight season.

Regards,

Alain

RE: Kero start
 

This is so typical of British manufacturing, the last people to bring out something that is becoming the norm and widely available, its the only thing that is stopping me buying a Wren.

For those of you in the UK remember British Leyland.

Mike

RE: Kero start
 

Alain,

Your question was posted on the 15 December, about the time everyone focuses on the holidays...
And since you "Know" what happened in England...you should be a bit more receptive to what we here at Wren have had to deal with.
To answer your question. YES...the 160 can be retrofitted to kero start. The combustion chamber and outer case must be replaced due to the relocation of the igniter. Also the kero version will use the Pro Jet ecu. I'll be speaking to Mike this evening and post you a turn around time for the conversion.

RE: Kero start
 

Hello Ron,

Thank you for your answer.

"Your question was posted on the 15 December...you should be a bit more receptive to what we here at Wren have had to deal with"
I suppose your are joking ! My question was posted to Wren one year ago and before I decide to buy a Wren 160. It has been a very important part of my decision.

"The combustion chamber and outer case must be replaced due to the relocation of the igniter"
Again you are joking, may be it is the reason why I burn a glow plug every 3 to 5 flights (Sara well knew this fact)

How can you imagine that your customers have to pay such a amazing retrofit (outer case, combustion chamber, ECU, labour, etc...)

Regards,

Alain

RE: Kero start
 

Alain,
Instead of you and me bantering back and forth...please tell me what you expect from Wren, and I'll do my best to live up to your expectations.

RE: Kero start
 

Ron, I will sent you a PM.

Alain

RE: Kero start
 

Alain,
I have answered your pm. I hope my reply is adequate!

RE: Kero start
 

Keep watching...
And Ron, about the kero-start, is it just for 160 motor??? have you guys try it to the smaller motor??
I am waiting 'till my Wren 44 can be turn into kero-start.....if it is possible...
for now, I'll be using gas start...<br type="_moz"/>

RE: Kero start
 

The possibilities are being considered, but right now the lads in England are busy building up 44 heli motors to fill the back orders, and getting caught up on some old business.They have recently added another member to the team , so there are many good things ahead. Stay tuned!!

RE: Kero start
 

Nice informartion Ron,And please, any information regarding to the Kero start, please add it here, so everyone can follow...Meanwhile...I stay watching...hope this year Wren has a giant leap...Thank you...

RE: Kero start
 

Hello Ron,

I sent you a PM.

Regards,

Alain