The Hyperloop: BUSTED!
What it is
Thunderf00t, a physicist, critically assesses the Hyperloop concept, covering the vacuum, pressure, safety, and cost problems of high-speed tube travel. He argues the media accepted the claims uncritically.
Why Hacker News recommends it
HN repeatedly cites it as the best skeptical engineering analysis of why Hyperloop is impractical.
- 7 people recommended it
- 6 different months
- 2 strong recommendations
- first 2016, last 2023
What HN commenters said
“His videos on the hyperloop are pretty comprehensive and succinct about their reasoning.”
Comprehensive, succinct reasoning on why the hyperloop is flawed.
computerex, 2016-08 · Strong recommendation · in “How Hyperloop One Went Off the Rails”
“I highly recommend his whole Busted! series.”
Skeptical analysis of Hyperloop from a physicist
Red_Tarsius, 2018-01 · Strong recommendation · in “Hyperloop costs and challenges undermine pinned hopes”
“Thunderf00t did a good job summarizing the problems”
Summarizes the major challenges facing the hyperloop.
imaginenore, 2016-10 · Recommendation · in “Hyperloop One Raises $50M, Hires Former Uber CFO”
“I think this needs to be brought to more people's attention”
Debunks the hyperloop; deserves more attention.
stcredzero, 2016-10 · Recommendation · in “Hyperloop One Raises $50M, Hires Former Uber CFO”
“The best legitimate criticisms I've seen are here”
Best legitimate criticisms of vacuum tube transport.
problems, 2016-10 · Recommendation · in “Hyperloop Freight is a Joke”
“Worth watching as he makes good arguments.”
Strong arguments against the hyperloop's technical practicality.
Randgalt, 2016-11 · Recommendation · in “Hyperloop may become reality in Dubai”
“Thunderf00t has a good video on the problems with it.”
Problems with the Hyperloop concept
LaikaF, 2017-10 · Recommendation · in “Hyperloop One Becomes ‘Virgin Hyperloop One’”
Excerpts from Hacker News comments, linked to the originals. Summaries and labels were written by a language model from those comments.
Topics: hyperloop, vacuum trains, engineering critique, thunderf00t, transportation
Also recommended by the same people
commentaryThe horrible truth about Apple's repeated engineering failures.Louis Rossmann · 2 HN recommenders · 2018–2023
talk[AUDIO FIXED] The Truth Cannot be Sexist - Steven Pinker on the biology of sex differencesGravitahn · 6 HN recommenders · 2017–2018
demoCode Bubbles: Rethinking the User Interface Paradigm of Integrated Development EnvironmentsAndrewBragdon · 2 HN recommenders · 2011–2024
explainerCan You Watch This Without Getting Angry?CGP Grey · 6 HN recommenders · 2015–2025
talkHow one tweet can ruin your life | Jon RonsonTED · 5 HN recommenders · 2018–2025
commentaryReballing flip chip GPUs is BULLSHIT - the truth about dead laptop GPUs & repairing them.Louis Rossmann · 2 HN recommenders · 2018–2019
talkAlan Kay: A powerful idea about teaching ideasTED · 2 HN recommenders · 2009–2024
explainerThe Mathematics of Quantum Computers | Infinite SeriesPBS Infinite Series · 4 HN recommenders · 2017–2023