A research project is on going, at the University of Padova, to develop a 200 N static-thrust engine to be used for both didactic and research activities. This paper describes in detail all the phases required to set-up such an engine, including design, manufacturing and operation. The jet engine features a single-stage centrifugal compressor developing 2.66:1 compression ratio at 60,000 rpm, a direct-flow annular combustion chamber and a single-stage axial turbine with 950 K turbine-inlet temperature (TIT). All the design and manufacturing details are provided, as well as the operation procedure together with experimental results. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.