Building the First Hyperloop Passenger Capsule

HYPERLOOP Transport Technologies (Hyperloop TT), one of the companies developing the innovative new transport system, has completed a full-scale prototype of a passenger capsule.

Designed by mobility specialist PriestmanGoode, the capsule features a shell made from a new, dual-layer material called "Vibranium".

Above: Hyperloop TT's passenger pod was built from a double-layered, smart material called "Vibranium" (image courtesy of Hyperloop TT). 

The passenger pod was built in southern Spain by engineering and composite material expert Airtificial. The overall capsule is 32 metres (105 feet) long - its inner cabin length is about 15 metres.

Above: Panels of "Vibranium" are made of carbon fibre and contain pressure sensors (images courtesy of Hyperloop TT).

Specially engineered for Hyperloop TT, "Vibranium" is a super-strong and smart material that can detect changing pressure that could result in case of damage to the pod. This is meant to ensure that hyperloop is the "safest transportation vehicle in the world," according to chairman of manufacturer Airtificial.

Weighing around 5 tonnes, it took 21 engineer hours to design and assemble, and features 72 sensors, 75,000 rivets and 82 carbon fibre panels.

Above: The capsule will be further optimised and assembled in Toulouse, France (image courtesy of Hyperloop TT).

The capsule will now be brought to Toulouse, France, for further testing at Hyperloop TT’s research and development centre, before it can be used commercially.

According to Hyperloop TT’s chairman and co-founder Bibop Gresta, the pod will be "fully optimised and ready for passengers" later in 2019.

You can learn more about the hyperloop concept and the leading companies developing systems in The B1M's video: