Hyperloop test track with low-pressure tube is under-construction in Nevada

Hyperloop Technologies Inc. announced last month a deal with Nevada officials to build a new test track for “Propulsion Open Air Test” (POAT) in the state.

Open air track aside and more interestingly, the company is also working on a 3 km full-scale and full speed enclosed prototype with a low-pressure environment and the latest images from the site (see above) show it’s already under-construction.

The company aims to make the prototype operational by late 2016/early 2017.

Hyperloop Tech recently confirmed closing $26 million in convertible note financing, which brought the total to $37 million in financing to date and is part of a $80 million Series B round the company was trying to close by the end of year, but as of today, they didn’t confirm if they managed to raise the money..

Nonetheless, the project seems to be progressing nicely. The Propulsion Open Air Test is one thing, but building an over 2-mile long low-pressure environment is something else.

It looks like Hyperloop Technologies’ test tube should be ready around the same time as the one SpaceX’s plans to build for its “Pod Competition”. Though SpaceX’s is 1-mile long and the tube’s diameter is much smaller.