Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the Elon Musk Hyperloop concept?

Yes. We are one of around 20 teams globally that consistently pass the design reviews necessary to be invited to the annual SpaceX Hyperloop Competition which is put on by Elon Musk outside the SpaceX / Boring Company headquarters.

Why is Hyperloop important and what sets it apart from mag-lev trains or other transportation technologies?

Hyperloop aims to be both dramatically faster and cheaper than current transportation technologies. By running in a tube without air the Hyperloop can travel upwards of 700 mph full-scale. This is significantly faster than mag-lev trains at about 300 mph or even planes at about 575 mph. As far as cost the Hyperloop uses vehicle side propulsion which means the track can be a simple aluminum rail as opposed to mag-lev trains that require the entire track to be a huge magnet.

When is the next competition?

Competition 5 was announced during competition 4 although an exact date has not yet been announced. The competitions are typically held in the summer but the next competition may be pushed back as Elon Musk has expressed interest in extending the test track from a little under 1 mile to over 6 miles for the next competition. We welcome this change as it will allow us to go faster than ever before and get much closer to a full-scale design.

What Technologies have you developed?

Illini Hyperloop has a strong record of innovation. We have developed technologies such as an active magnetic levitation system where we could levitate from a standstill, a passive magnetic levitation system where we could use our forward motion to levitate without having to directly supply it power, and finally a magnetic propulsion system which allows us to propel ourselves forward without touching the rail.