Hyperloop Transportation Technologies just began construction on the world’s third Hyperloop test track. According to its latest announcement, Hyperloop Transportation Technologies‘ full-scale tubes just reached a research and development facility in Toulouse, France, and a test track is under construction. The two other Hyperloop test tracks are Virgin Hyperloop One in the desert near Las Vegas and Elon Musk’s near the SpaceX headquarters in California.
The race toward a functioning, real-world Hyperloop system continues as more test tracks pop up, governments sign deals, and billionaires get in on the action. Construction of Hyperloop TT’s test track will happen in two phases. The first phase is the building of a closed system around 1,050 feet long, which the company says will be operational in 2018. In 2019, the company plans to finish a 0.6-mile system elevated by pylons at around 20 feet for the second phase. HyperloopTT’s passenger and freight tubes have an interior diameter of about 13 feet. A full-scale passenger capsule is scheduled to arrive in France this summer “for assembly and integration” — it’s almost finished being built at a facility in Spain.
Related: Hyperloop One exhibits exciting first images of full-scale test track
In the company’s statement, HyperloopTT chairman Bibop Gresta said, “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.”
Stay tuned — HyperloopTT said they’ll soon reveal details for a public unveiling of their France facility this year.
+ Hyperloop Transportation Technologies
Via The Verge
Images via Hyperloop Transportation Technologies
