Starting of a small turbojet

A method of starting a turbine engine having a rotor, a combustor means for supplying hot gases to cause rotation of said turbine rotor, a rotatable compressor means for supplying gases to said combustor means and a fuel supply means for providing fuel to said combustor means for combustion therein upon mixing with said gases from said compressor means, comprising the steps of:

• a) initially directing pyrotechnic gases at said compressor means so as to cause rotation of said compressor means;
• b) thereafter, directing said pyrotechnic gases into said combustor means so as to cause ignition of said fuel therein to begin combustion to supply hot gases to said turbine rotor sufficient to cause rotation thereof;
• and
• c) continuing to direct said pyrotechnic gases at said compressor means until said turbine rotor is rotating at a predetermined speed, that speed being sufficient to maintain stable combustion within said combustor without use of said pyrotechnic gases.