HANOVER, Germany—Continental A.G. has supplied air springs to Dutch company Hardt for its first European hyperloop system, which will start trial runs soon.
The system, based on the principle of reducing the usual resistance of regular trains in tunnel-like tubes, will allow for the transport of people and goods at speeds of more than 745 miles per hour, or similar to those achieved by aircraft.
According to a ContiTech statement, Hardt has completed its first Hyperloop test track in Europe—about 100 feet long track in Delft, Netherlands.
Capsules will eventually be able to bullet through the tubes on a trial basis. ContiTech added that 10 of its air springs are suspended in the hyperloop to provide "the sophisticated capsule running gear with secure bearings."
The hyperloop can potentially reduce travel time between Stockholm and Madrid to less than three hours, compared to four hours by air.
The advantage over air transport, according to ContiTech, is that the hyperloop is sustainable, efficient and consumes less energy.
Over the next two years, a European Hyperloop Center is set to be built, housing a research and development facility, an exhibition center, an adventure center and test track.
The center will coordinate all European activities in the field of hyperloop technology, in order to ultimately standardize European hyperloop infrastructure.