Abstract: A system for drying a web-like paper sheet is disclosed which includes a drying device capable of blowing pressurized high temperature dry air through inlet conduits on the web-like paper sheet, and of sucking moist air, ejected through outlet conduits connected to a recirculation conduit, and a combustion system which has a hot gas generator, provided with systems for supplying fuel and combustion air. The hot gas generator consists of a burner, and a combustion chamber. Outside the combustion chamber a cooling channel is provided, which encloses the combustion chamber. The cooling channel is downstream of the burner and is connected to the recirculation conduit, so that the hot gas generator generates an air and burnt gases mixture which forms the dry air, as well as receiving, through such a recirculation conduit, part of the moist air so that it can be heated and reused.