{"id":237679,"date":"2018-04-13T09:27:56","date_gmt":"2018-04-13T07:27:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/?p=237679"},"modified":"2018-04-13T13:38:52","modified_gmt":"2018-04-13T11:38:52","slug":"the-first-full-scale-hyperloop-system-is-being-built-and-will-be-running-in-2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/technology\/237679\/the-first-full-scale-hyperloop-system-is-being-built-and-will-be-running-in-2018\/","title":{"rendered":"The first full-scale hyperloop system is being built – and will be running in 2018"},"content":{"rendered":"

The first full-scale build of hyperloop technology – the futuristic mode of transportation cohesively conceptualised by tech entrepreneur Elon Musk – is being built in France.<\/p>\n

One of the companies racing to be the first to get a viable system up and running, Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, took delivery of its first set of tubes this week, which will be used in the construction of the first full-scale build of the project.<\/p>\n

The first phase of the build will include a closed 320 metre system that will be fully operation this year, the group said. The tubes, which have a diameter of 4 metres, are designed to move both people and freight to the HyperloopTT research and development center in Toulouse, France.<\/p>\n

A second system of 1 kilometre, that will be elevated on pylons, 6 metres in the air, will be built and completed in 2019, it said.<\/p>\n

“Both systems are fully upgradeable and will be used 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 group said.<\/p>\n

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The hyperloop concept was first unveiled by Musk in 2013. Although the idea for using ‘tubes’ to provide a high-speed mode of transport had been thought of long before Musk’s documents were published, it was the first time that the concepts had been presented as a viable technology.<\/p>\n

Several companies have since taken on the challenge to develop the technology using different methods.<\/p>\n

Musk, himself, has continued to build on the ideas, and recently demonstrated<\/a><\/strong> the new ways that he envisioned the system to work.<\/p>\n

Other companies, like Hyperloop-One, have also made progress on testing tracks and transportation units, slowly building up<\/a><\/strong> to match the conceptualised transport speeds of\u00a0750mph (1,200kmph).<\/p>\n

According to HyperloopTT, the project is about more than just bragging rights, or being the first.<\/p>\n

“The real opportunity is to create an efficient and safe system with an unparalleled passenger experience,” it said.<\/p>\n

“Building in full-scale means we\u2019re committed to innovation in the long-term. We\u2019ve pioneered the technology, proved feasible and insurable by the world\u2019s largest reinsurance company, Munich RE.<\/p>\n

“We have agreements in place in nine countries where we\u2019re working on feasibility and regulations. We have a research centre for freight and logistics in Brazil and a facility in Toulouse where we\u2019ll deliver the first full-scale passenger capsule.<\/p>\n

“Hyperloop is no longer a concept, it has become a commercial industry.”<\/p>\n