Hyperloop - transportation revolution or Segway redux?

[from_the_NEK]

Details for Musk's plan were released yesterday.

Long read but worth it for nerds like me -

http://www.spacex.com/sites/spacex/f...a-20130812.pdf

It think it is entirely possible but I think his cost his numbers are way low considering once politicians inevitably get involved, they somehow figure out how to dramatically increase the price of public works projects like these. So far Musk's ventures have been private for the most part (SpaceX and Tesla Motors), so I'm not sure if he is factoring in the cost of greasy hands.

 

[bvibert]

Thanks! I was looking for more information yesterday, but I couldn't come up with anything more than inconsistent news stories..

 

[from_the_NEK]

Yeah, the reports by the MSM were terrible to say the least. Most kept referring to it as a maglev system which it is decidedly not. In fact the aircushion idea was developed to get away from hugely expensive maglev devices. It almost seemed like most reporters just read the first page of the doc and never even glanced at the reset of the .pdf .

 

[dmc]

If anyone can do it - it's him...

 

[bvibert]

Yeah, the reports by the MSM were terrible to say the least. Most kept referring to it as a maglev system which it is decidedly not. In fact the aircushion idea was developed to get away from hugely expensive maglev devices. It almost seemed like most reporters just read the first page of the doc and never even glanced at the reset of the .pdf .

Exactly... Or didn't even do that much...

 

[Abubob]

Wow - is this true? The graph on page 9 shows why airline or train travel isn't cheaper than going by car.

 

[ScottySkis]

They said on the news yesterday it should travel at 5000 MPH take it SLC ski and be home for dinner, I love it.

 

[wa-loaf]

If anyone can do it - it's him...

He's not doing it. Just putting the plans out there open source and hoping someone will pick up the project.

 

[Puck it]

Couple of big obstacles to overcome in the deisgn first. One being the loss of the air cushion. Normal tires can not handle the speed. It would require some sort of metal wheel and suspension for touchdown. The concept is very feasible and not very high tech. It needs a lot of refinement.