Hyperloop Pod Prototypes

Look how far we've come

Meet our Past Protoype Pods

PODDY MC PODFACE

First Generation Prototype (2017)

Poddy McPodface was HYPED’s first-ever pod and competed in 2017 at the SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition II in Hawthorne, USA

Key features:

Purpose:

  • Built with a custom fibre-reinforced polymer shell

  • Steel spaceframe chassis for strength and stability

  • Served as a proof of concept to inspire future pod development

  • Laid the foundation for subsequent generations

PODDY THE 2ND

Second Generation Prototype (2018)

Poddy the Second was developed as a second-generation pod and competed in 2018 at the SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition III in Hawthorne, USA.

Key features:

Achievements:

  • Upgraded systems including magnetic propulsion and emergency brakes

  • Passenger cabin incorporated for demonstration purposes

  • Propulsion provided by two pairs of radial flux Halbach arrays

  • Modular chassis design, allowing removal of subsystems in under 10 minutes

  • Passive levitation achieved using four skis with linear Halbach arrays

  • Shortlisted among the top teams in the competition

  • Demonstrated a more advanced, modular, and scalable design compared to the first pod

THE FLYING PODSMAN

Third-generation prototype (2019)

The Flying Podsman was HYPED’s third-generation pod and competed in 2019 at the SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition IV in Hawthorne, USA.

Key features:

Improvements over previous pods:

  • Used an arc-synchronous motor paired with an electrodynamic wheel for propulsion

  • Experimented with new propulsion technology

  • Introduced failsafe braking systems

  • Simplified structure for easier development and testing

  • More scalable design

GREYFRIARS PODDY

Fourth Generation Prototype (2022)

Greyfriars Poddy was showcased in 2022 at European Hyperloop Week in Delft, the Netherlands.

Key features:

Accomplishments:

  • Made with a titanium alloy chassis

  • First use of a linear induction motor and first pod with Mag-brakes

  • Displayed at the National Railway Museum in York

  • Established HYPED's test track

POD NESS

Fifth Generation Prototype (2023)

Pod Ness was presented in 2023 at European Hyperloop Week in Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

Accomplishments:

  • Our first fully functioning pod

  • Featuring active vertical suspension

  • Successfully incorporated our linear induction motor

  • Incorporated a cooling system for scalability

Images & Videography by Paco Chow