Hyperloop Transportation Technologies are finally building a test track near their R&D centre in France. The company is one of 3 others who is competing to see who can bring the first viable hyperloop system up. The other two competitors are the Virgin Hyperloop One and SpaceX. Previously, other than going on numerous roadshows around the world and sharing very little media about progress, this is the first instance where detailed photos of construction are shared.
The interior diameter is currently 4.0 meters and it will be completed in two phases. The first phase to cover just 320m and the second phase would complete a 1km system. The overall loop will be elevated on pylons at a height of 5.8 meters. The target completion date is 2019. The capsule transporting people is currently being completed in Spain and will be delivered this summer to the test facility.
“Five years ago we set out to solve transportation’s most pressing problems; efficiency, comfort and speed. Today we take an important step forward to begin to achieve that goal,” said HyperloopTT CEO Dirk Ahlborn. “Hyperloop is more than just displays of rapid acceleration and more than just breaking speed records. The real opportunity is to create an efficient and safe system with an unparalleled passenger experience.”
“Building in full-scale means we’re committed to innovation in the long-term,” said Bibop Gresta, HyperloopTT Chairman. “We’ve pioneered the technology, proved feasible and insurable by the world’s largest reinsurance company, Munich RE. We have agreements in place in nine countries where we’re working on feasibility and regulations. We have a research center for freight and logistics in Brazil and a facility in Toulouse where we’ll deliver the first full-scale passenger capsule. Hyperloop is no longer a concept, it has become a commercial industry.”
Additional details for a public unveiling of the facility in 2018 and prototype track will be forthcoming.
