A new speed record is set by the Virgin Hyperloop One at its DevLoop test center outside of Las Vegas. The third test phase was completed on 15th December, and during this testing, an unmanned test pod reached a speed of nearly 387 km/h while running through an evacuated cylinder. The cylinder was depressurized to 0.0002 atmospheres, the air pressure found at an altitude of 200,000 feet above sea level.
Virgin Hyperloop One claims that the tests in December not only broke the company’s previous best of 310 km/h but also included trials of a new airlock system to allow the pods to move between the 500m evacuated tube and normal air pressure. Furthermore, tests were also conducted on the electric motor, controls, power electronics, magnetic levitation, guidance, and pod suspension system.
Their end goal is to carry passengers and freight through a system of tubes across continental distances at airline speeds. The company also broke silence on the rumors that Sir Richard Branson had been named the non-executive Chairman of Virgin Hyperloop One. Sir Richard Branson is the founder of the Virgin Group and this announcement follows his investment in the project, which led to the rebranding of the company to Virgin Hyperloop One.
“I am excited by the latest developments at Virgin Hyperloop One and delighted to be its new Chairman,” says Sir Richard. “The recent investment by our partners Caspian Venture Capital and DP World set up the company to pursue opportunities in key markets in the Middle East, Europe, and Russia as it develops game-changing and innovative passenger and cargo ground transport systems.”
Hyperloop, which used to be a dream once upon a time is reaching new milestones and it might not be long before it is actually a reality. You can see the video below which shows the record-breaking run.
