Virgin Hyperloop sets new lightning-fast speed record

Hyperloops are one of those things that are gaining popularity and are expected to arrive soon for the world. With most companies working to build hyperloops, Virgin Hyperloop One just broke the speed record of Elon Musk’s hyperloop.

Virgin Hyperloop One recently declared the completion of third phase testing on the world’s first full-scale hyperloop test site, the DevLoop. The tests recorded an extremely fast speed of almost 387kmh (240mph) that breaks the hyperloop record of 355kmh (220mph) set by Elon Musk’s hyperloop.

In this testing phase, the company used a new airlock that helped test pods shift between atmospheric and vacuum conditions. Through mixing magnetic levitation, extremely low aerodynamic drag, and the level of air pressure felt at 200,000 feet above sea level, the hyperloop proved that it can reach airline speed over long distances, reported Futurism.

India getting its first Hyperloop

“The recent phase three testing continues to prove the incredible persistence and determination of our DevLoop team — the close to 200 engineers, machinists, welders, and fabricators who collaborated to make hyperloop a reality today,” expressed Josh Giegel, Virgin Hyperloop One’s co-founder and chief technology officer.

According to Wired, the company also declared that they had already raised an extra $50 million before their Series C round of funding. “The continued support from our existing investors Caspian Venture Capital and DP World highlight their adamant belief in our ability to execute.”

Recent developments in the hyperloop technology indicate that we might be closer to travelling at the speed of a plane, but in a train. Because of the negative environmental effect of the normal public transport, and the rise in climate change, these futuristic hyperloops will prove to be very beneficial for both the masses and the people.