VIRGIN HYPERLOOP ONE TO GIVE PEOPLE A FEEL FOR HIGH-SPEED TRAVEL AT EXPO
▶ Company vying to bring supersonic public transport to UAE says it will display simulator at US Pavilion in Dubai
One of the key players in the emerging hyperloop industry plans to display its technology at the US Pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai.
As the race to bring highspeed travel to the world accelerates, Virgin Hyperloop One announced plans to unveil a simulator to mimic how it will feel to travel at the speed of sound when the company’s version of the technology is in commercial use – expected to be by the mid-2020s.
Executives from the company told The National they were in no rush to bring the transport system to the commercial market, despite rival Hyperloop Transportation Technologies saying it expected to unveil a working test track in the UAE by next year.
“Our main focus is making sure this system can get to market as quickly as possible in a way that is not reckless,” said Ryan Kelly, who is on the Virgin executive leadership team.
“We are building a brand but we are happy to see other companies out there. We are interested to see what Hyperloop TT is doing in Toulouse. We see that competition as really important.
“As far as our plan is concerned, we want to see something in the mid-2020s and would love to see something in the Middle East, but it is still up for grabs.”
In September, Virgin’s subsidiary was invited to testify before the US Senate committee on commerce, science and transport to present a version of the technology that would “move America” in the future.
Hyperloop TT said it was pressing ahead with plans to build a commercial line close to the Expo 2020 site and Al Maktoum International Airport, whereas Virgin plans to connect Pune and Mumbai with a hyperloop system.
Journey times are expected to be slashed from up to four hours to less than half an hour, unlocking huge opportunities in both Indian cities and changing the way people live.
It is also expected to slash the environmental effects of travel by reducing the number of vehicles clogging the roads. A commercial system could be in operation in India by the late 2020s.
“Dubai was the first to look at hyperloop in 2016 and the economic case for India is huge, but there are big socio-economic reasons to connect the GCC,” Mr Kelly said. “We are not concerned with being beaten to the punch by Hyperloop TT.”
Sir Richard Branson stepped down as chairman of Virgin Hyperloop One this year and was replaced by Sultan bin Sulayem, group chairman and chief executive of DP World, one of the main financial backers of the company.
“Historically, cargo has always driven innovation in transport and we see hyperloop technology as absolutely essential to the expanding market of on-demand, sustainable global shipping,” Mr bin Sulayem said.
“Having Virgin Hyperloop One featured as a prominent symbol of global innovation at Expo 2020 is thrilling for us since we are so invested in the company, not just financially, but as believers in their unique technology.”
The simulator planned for Expo would use hydraulics in a similar way to the capsules used to train astronauts. Commercial systems are expected to carry cargo and passenger pods.
US pavilion developers will build an exhibit featuring DP World Cargo speed, the cargo brand under Virgin Hyperloop One. The project is backed by a host of global investors, including the Abu Dhabi Capital Group.
“People will be able to physically feel what it’s like to be in a hyperloop pod,” Mr Kelly said. “We want to show people how much it will cost, when will it be running and how does it feel to ride it.
“People will want to know how it feels to travel at more 1,000kph. It won’t feel like a roller coaster.
“Because you are in a tube, there will be no turbulence, the pods will lift off and then glide.
“It will be smooth as silk. It won’t be a thrill ride.”