South Korea plans hyperloop rival

South Korea is planning to unleash a new superfast train that could, if all goes to plan, beat Tesla’s hyperloop.

In a statement from the Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI), the East Asian nation is planning to reveal a ‘hyper tube’ format train in the ‘not too distant’ future.

Speaking to the South China Morning Post, the organisation said: “We hope to create an ultra-fast train, which will travel inside a state-of-the-art low-pressure tube at lightning speeds, in the not-too-distant future.

“To that end, we will cooperate with associated institutes as well as Hanyang University to check the viability of various related technologies called the hyper-tube format over the next three years.”

The KRRI doesn’t simply want to construct a facsimile of Elon Musk’s Hyperloop – the organisation wants to go one better and produce a much faster model that surpasses the current maglev propulsion system.

KRRI was formally established to develop South Jorean industries through continuous R&D in the rail, public transport, and logistics networks. Its main goal is to “create new value of railroad technology through demand-focused convergence research.”

Through the work of its Railroad Safety Certification Center looks to develop thought leadership for the industry and promotes safe and secure railways at home and abroad. 

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SOURCE: [HP]