Hyperloop inches closer to reality, successfully completes first full system test

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Hyperloop One successfully completed the first full-scale test of its 'Hyperloop' technology in Nevada, United States on Wednesday.

The technology proved workable as the test vehicle travelled at a speed of 70 miles per hour (roughly 102 kilometres per hour) for a short distance.

Hyperloop is being pitched as a new means of transportation wherein passengers and cargo will be travel in pods at near supersonic speeds. The pods will use electromagnetic propulsion and magnetic levitation technology (mag-lev) inside their nearly airless tubes, to travel at a speed of more than 1126 kmph - faster than the Boeing 747.

The company also unveiled prototype model of its first aerodynamic pod which is 28 feet long and is made of structural aluminium and carbon fiber.

Hyperloop One's XP-1 vehicle being prepared for testing in Nevada (Photo Courtesy: Hyperloop One)

In the next phase of testing, the team's goal is to make the vehicle travel at approximately 402 kmph.

The concept was first conceived by SpaceX's founder Elon Musk in 2013.

Talking to CBS News, the company's co-founder Shervin Pishevar said that the test was their “Kitty Hawk moment,” comparing it with the "first flight" milestone of the Wright Brothers.

Los Angeles-based company had in May announced that it is in talks with the Indian government to partially build and operate the vehicle on some of the major routes of the country.