The first set of full-size tubes designed to move people and freight has arrived at Hyperloop Transportation Technologies' research and development center in Toulouse, France.
"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."
The steel/concrete/carbon fiber tubes have an interior diameter of 4.0 meters and will be able to transport both for passenger capsules and shipping containers.
The first phase of the project includes a closed 320-meter system that will be operational this year. A second full-scale system of 1 km elevated by pylons at a height of 5.8 meters will be completed in 2019.
Both systems are fully upgradeable and will be utilized by both HyperloopTT and partner companies.
The full-scale passenger capsule, currently near completion at Carbures in Spain, is scheduled for delivery to the facility this summer for assembly and integration. The capsule is 30 meters in length and can carry 28 to 40 passengers at a maximum speed of 1,223 km/h.
"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."
Source: HyperloopTT
