Hyperloop UPV
The Hyperloop UPV concept is a levitating rail-free pod design. Using magnetic repulsion and air cushioning for levitation is expensive and can produce unpredictable forces. The pod is equipped with a hybrid system of permanent magnets and electromagnet units, being able to control lift, so it can hover from the top of the tube. That way, the pod doesn't need so much electricity to be lifted by itself. Propulsion is obtained through expansion of the air with a nozzle, located at the rear of the pod, achieving speeds of up to 1000 km/h. The turbine recovers energy from the flow allowing a more efficient journey. This clean tube layout is said to cut costs in up to 30% of the whole Hyperloop project (about 180m USD) and the possibility to comfortably fit more passengers.
Sherpa Capital
One of Sherpa Capital's founders has become embroiled in a legal issue regarding one of its venture capital investments. Pishevar and Brogan BamBrogan, a former senior engineer at SpaceX, began building Hyperloop One to build a very-high-speed train from San Francisco to Los Angeles. BamBrogan and three other individuals were fired by Pishevar and a senior Hyperloop One manager. BamBrogan and the other former executives filed a suit in California Superior Court in Los Angeles in July 2016 against Hyperloop, stating that they were defamed, wrongfully fired, and harassed and claiming breach of contract. A lawyer representing Hyperloop One, Orin Snyder, said, "Today's lawsuit brought by former employees of Hyperloop One is unfortunate and delusional. These employees tried to stage a coup and failed. They knew that the company was aware of their actions, and today's lawsuit is their pre-emptive strike. The claims are pure nonsense and will be met with a swift and potent legal response."