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Five things to know about the latest Hyperloop developments
Next generation transport system aims to bring airplane speeds to the ground, safely and sustainably
HTT hyperloop company: The California-based firm plans to develop the region’s first hyperloop line in Abu Dhabi by 2020. Quintero One will run at the speed of sound between Al Ghadeer on the edge of Dubai to the Hyperloop station in Abu Dhabi. HTT has offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. It signed an agreement with Aldar Properties this year to allow it to start construction.
Interest in Saudi: HTT this month said it is exploring routes in Saudi Arabia. “We are talking to Saudi government and there are couple of very interesting projects on the table right now,” said Bibop Gresta, chairman and co-founder of HTT. Estimated journey times between Riyadh and Jeddah would be cut to 76 minutes from the present 10 hours.
Framework meeting: HTT last month organised a conference in conjunction with technical service providers, Munich-headquartered TUV SUD. HTT’s 11 stakeholder nations including the UAE also attended. “The Munich meeting was a strong step towards the commercialisation of hyperloop systems in the world,” said HTT chairman Bipop Gresta.
Physical prototypes: The first full-scale passenger capsule was unveiled in Spain two weeks ago. Tests will continue in France ahead of a live run, slated for early 2019. “The creation of this capsule represents a year-long journey of the best expertise in design, engineering and the development of cutting-edge materials,” said HTT CEO Dirk Ahlborn.
Virgin Hyperloop One: The DP World-backed company, headed by Sir Richard Branson, conducted a feasibility study with Dubai’s RTA in 2017. Progress has continued, with the firm working on a prototype pod. Saudi also unveiled Virgin Hyperloop One’s proposed transit pod for Hyperloop system earlier this year, though its status is now unclear.
