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The Hyperloop is a closed tube system of transportation designed by Elon Musk. The closed tubes contain pods that travel through the system at up to 800mph.
More information:
Elon intended for the full specifications to be open source and available to all. The goal of this project is to fulfill that vision so all Hyperloop systems can be compatible, similar to how all rail roads are the same width, same type of rails, etc and a rail road car made for one rail system can also run on another rail system.
The OpenHyperloop project was created by serial entrepreneur Jeffrey Franklin to crowdsource the complete design specifications of the Hyperloop system by inviting engineers, architects, and system designers from around the world to contribute to this project and help design the Hyperloop system.
Phases
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Establish basic specifications for each of the components (mostly done by Elon, just needs to be organized and formalized).
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Formalize full designs for each of the components (Elon implies he has some design files for these components he used for simulations, these would be a great starting point). This also involves running computer simulations on the designs to ensure they will meet wind, earthquake, and stress guidelines.
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Fund the project (see Business models for ideas I've had so far).
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Prototype the components and build a few 5 mile track segments to test speeds, bends, designs, etc. Note: this also involves building the manufacturing facilities for the Hyperloop components and establishing the prefab assembly lines.
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Acquire building permits and land use permissions for building the pylons along the route.
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Construct the initial LA/SF track, pylons, pods and stations.
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Open the Hyperloop to the public.
Elon proposed two possible designs for the Hyperloop:
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A Passenger-only version that could just carry passenger capsules
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A Passenger-Car version that can carry passengers, vehicles, and freight
In my analysis, I think it's only worthwhile to pursue option number 2 since it will create a far more versatile Hyperloop system, for only slightly more than the Passenger-only version. Thus, the focus of this project will be on the Passenger-Car version.
@ninjavwc: Rebuttal - Yes it's true that option 2 will be a much more versatile design, it instantly increases the slope of the difficulty curve. At this point, looking at the climate (social, political, etc.) if Hyperloop as a proof of concept is to be successful, building the passenger model first is preferable and far more achievable.
@OpenHyperloop: Response - Great point! I am more of a 'go big or go home' person so I figure if we can build option 2, then go for it. From a technical standpoint, both are feasible and possible with current technology, it just needs to be put together in this unique way.
This wiki will have distilled thoughts and discussions on the Hyperloop and the corresponding GitHub repository just be a place for data files, CAD files, sketches, images, etc associated with this project.
A nationwide subway (Hyperloop) system connecting major cities at first (and then minor cities).
Elon originally proposed that this mode of transit would only make sense for less than 1000 miles before supersonic travel made more sense. I disagree. I believe the inflection point is closer to 4000 miles since air travel requires arriving at the airport at least 2-3 hours ahead of time (sorry Elon, we don't all have private jets we can just drive up and hop on). Airplanes also need to be filled up to capacity, and depart only on set intervals, usually several hours apart. Whereas Hyperloop pods would operate almost continuously with intervals ranging from several minutes or upon request.
Consider:
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NY to LA via Hyperloop would be about 4hrs with no weather delays, no needing to get to the terminal 2-3 hours in advance, no waiting in lines to check luggage, etc. This is also a sustainable means of transit since it runs entirely on solar. Furthermore, a pod would depart every x minutes.
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NY to LA via Mach 2 aircraft would take about 2hrs (wheels up to wheels down), but just having to get to the airport 2hrs ahead of its scheduled time would negate that advantage leaving you still needing to plan on 4hrs for the entire trip, and maybe even more if you have to park your car far away and shuttle to the airport terminal. Also, this trip would be subject to weather delays and burn tons (literally) of fossil fuels.
It was Elons goal for this project to be Open Source and available to all.
If someone takes all of this information and builds their own Hyperloop, then go for it! I would love to lead the project myself, but if someone else does it, that would be great. I want to see a Hyperloop system built nationwide, regardless of if I build it or not.
These pages detail my thoughts and analysis on the individual components and their deviation/clarification from Elons original plan:
@jimswen has also created some great pages on:
Also look at some other sites talking about the Hyperloop:
http://www.letsbuildahyperloop.com/ Wants to start with a 1:10 scale model of a section of Hyperloop for proof-of-concept. Has a mailing list area to sign up to talk Hyperloop.
http://hyperloopcommunity.com/ Has some forums for more informal discussion of the Hyperloop
http://www.reddit.com/r/hyperloop/ The subreddit for Hyperloop discussion