GREAT interest in a newdesignfor a 70-seater turbo-prop advanced regional airliner - that has both high fuel efficiency and an ability to make short take-offs and landings - has been shown by major aircraft manufacturers such as EADS, Boeing and Airbus.

The newcomer, called the A-8 Hummingbird, has been produced by 64 students studying for their master of science(M.Sc) degree in aerospace vehicle design at Cranfield University in southern England.

The project, revealed at the university's annual aerospace vehicle design presentation,breaks new ground in its aim to produce a novel type of "lighter and greener" airliner that would be suitable for commercial and military use.

"Boeing is particularly pleased again to be sponsoring this year's Aerospace Vehicle Design challenge," said David Paisley, Technical Fellow from the Boeing company. "The pursuit of enhanced environmental performance is vital to Boeing's research and technology endeavours. Challenging young minds in such a way pays dividends in terms of enhancing the future skills and creating the intellectual capacity on which our industry thrives."

Cranfield course director Phil Stocking added: "The work and imagination that has gone into this project is evidence of the innovative thinking and research taking place in aircraft design. The A-8 Hummingbird is the perfect showcase of how to use composite materials to lessen the fuel consumption and improve the agility of the aircraft."

The university has been at the forefront of aerospace technology for more than 60 years and plays a key role in the aerospace sector. In 2008 Cranfield students presented their concept for an air-refuelling tanker designed to provide all-weather air refuelling for military aircraft including uncrewed aircraft as well as for civil airliners.

Cranfield is a wholly postgraduate institution with a worldwide reputation for excellence and expertise in aerospace, automotive, defence, engineering, environment and water, health, management and manufacturing.The university is made up of the following schools: Cranfield Health, the School of Management, the School of Applied Sciences, the School of Engineering, and Cranfield Defence & Security at Shrivenham.

The School of Engineering is a postgraduate research institute dedicated to carrying out focused fundamental research and applying it to meet the needs of society and industry. The school runs a range of master, doctoral and professional development courses and carries out extensive technology development and consultancy for its customer base. Its research, teaching and technology development functions are closely linked to industry, public and defence sectors across the UK, Europe and internationally.