Hyperloop One Completes First Full-System Test

Hyperloop One has completed its first full-scale test on the hyperloop technology in a vacuum environment on May 12, 2017.

During the test, the hyperloop vehicle using magnetic levitation technology pulled 2 Gs of force and reached a speed of 112km/h at the company's test track in Nevada.

Hyperloop One has also revealed the images of its new pod with The Verge. The aerodynamically designed pod is 28 feet in length and is made out of structural aluminium and carbon fibre.

Hyperloop One states that the pod is designed to carry both cargo and human passengers at near supersonic speeds using electromagnetic propulsion and mag-lev technology. Hyperloop One has also released a video of its low-speed test.

Now, Hyperloop One is entering the next testing phase with a goal of achieving a top speed of 400km/h. Elon Musk had developed the concept. On paper, the hyperloop can send aluminium pods through an airless tube at speeds of up to 1,200km/h.

In a statement, company's co-founder Shervin Pishevar said, "Hyperloop One has accomplished what no one has done before by successfully testing the first full-scale Hyperloop system. By achieving full vacuum, we essentially invented our own sky in a tube, as if you're flying at 200,000 feet in the air."

In October 2016, Hyperloop One started the construction of a 500-metre long DevLoop test track, and it became operational in April 2017. The company states that it will continue testing in the coming months.

The next phase of tests will showcase the Pod gliding on a longer track at much higher speeds. The executives of the company have been travelling the world to find buyers and investors for its new technology.

DriveSpark Thinks!

Hyperloop One might seem a very convenient mode of transport, but in reality, it has enormous challenges to overcome. It's an entirely new technology and setting up a supersonic transport system which is also very expensive might take some time.