Hyperloop One just unveiled its first full-scale test track in Nevada — here's a closer look

pulse

March 7, 2017 4:21 PM

Hyperloop One is planning to launch its first public trial this year.

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Hyperloop One is inching closer to its first public trial.

The startup released images of its development site (DevLoop) for the first time on Tuesday. Hyperloop One said in a press release that the first public trial on the full-scale system will occur in the first half of 2017. That's slightly later than the company's original timeline — a press release from October said the trial will occur in the first quarter of this year.

Hyperloop One declined to comment on why the timeline has been pushed back.

Still, construction on the DevLoop is progressing — here's a closer look at what's to come:

The DevLoop is 500 meters long (1,640 feet) and has a diameter of 3.3 meters (just under 11 feet.) It's located in the Nevada desert, just 30 minutes from Las Vegas.

The development track will be two miles long when it's completed.

The public trial expected to occur in the first half of this year will serve as Hyperloop One's first test on a full-scale, development site. The startup conducted a public test on a prototype system in the same area in May 2016.

You can read more about the test on the prototype system here.

In November, Hyperloop One signed an agreement with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority to evaluate building a Hyperloop between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Hyperloop One is currently conducting a feasibility study with McKinsey & Co. and the Bjarke Ingels Group for the system.

Hyperloop One said in its press release that the progress on the DevLoop should show how close the startup is to making the system a reality. The startup said the Hyperloop will reduce the commute between Dubai and Abu Dhabi from several hours to just 12 minutes.

Hyperloop One is also interested in using the high-speed transit alternative to transport cargo.

The startup secured $50 million in a funding round led by DP World, the third largest port and terminal operator in the world. That latest round of funding brings Hyperloop One's total funding to $160 million, according to the startup.

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