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=== Initial design concept ===
The hyperloop alpha concept envisioned operation by sending specially designed "capsules" or "pods" through a steel tube maintained at a partial vacuum. In Musk's original concept, each capsule would float on a {{convert|0.5-1.3|mm|in|2|order=flip|abbr=on}} layer of air provided under pressure to [[air caster|air-caster]] "skis", similar to how pucks are levitated above an air hockey table, while still allowing higher speeds than wheels can sustain. With [[rolling resistance]] eliminated and air resistance greatly reduced, the capsules can [[gliding flight|glide]] for the bulk of the journey. In the alpha design concept, an electrically driven [[ducted fan|inlet fan]] and [[axial compressor]] would be placed at the nose of the capsule to "actively transfer high-pressure air from the front to the rear of the vessel", resolving the problem of air pressure building in front of the vehicle, slowing it down (the [[Kantrowitz limit]]). A fraction of the air was to be shunted to the skis for additional pressure, augmenting that gain passively from lift due to their shape.<ref name="Alpha SpaceX" />
In the alpha-level concept, passenger-only pods were to be {{convert|2.23|m|order=flip|abbr=on}} in diameter and were projected to reach a top speed of {{convert|760|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} (Mach ~1.0 in the low-pressure tube) to maintain aerodynamic efficiency. The design proposed passengers experience a maximum inertial [[g-force|acceleration]] of 0.5 g, about 2 or 3 times that of a commercial airliner on takeoff and landing.<ref name="Alpha SpaceX" /><sup> (Section 4.4)</sup>
===Proposed routes===
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