This Taiyo Aero Jet Hopper was a 9.6V radio controlled car sold in Japan in 1987.
It was the 'Aero' or aerodynamic version of the Taiyo Jet Hopper MK3 with a more streamlined body, reminiscent of the Taiyo Aero Super Jet 4WD.
You might also notice that it used the much improved front and rear tires in 1987, despite Tyco's 1988 Turbo Hopper MK2 and Aero Turbo Hopper still using the older tires a full year later!
Features and Performance
Underneath the streamlined exterior, its chassis was from a Jet Hopper MK3, released in the same year. As such its features were the same:
- 9.6V 'Turbo' 8xAA Battery Power
- Wide Air-Filled Off-Road Tires
- Mabuchi 280 motor
- 4 x Shock Absorbers
- 2-Speed Gearbox
Why ‘Aero’?
In the late 1980s, automobile design began to change as the tools used to build the cars changed. Gone were the simple boxy shapes of the early-mid 80s, and in its place were new bezier curves thanks to modern Computer Aided Design (CAD) software.
This created a new 'look', and allowed car manufacturers to make care more 'aerodynamic', building shapes that allowed the air to pass by more easily, resulting in faster speed and greater efficiency.
Do you need new tires?
Check out MCI Racing (not sponsored)
While I've not tried these myself yet, they're pretty much the only option I know of for replacing old Turbo Hopper Jet Hopper tires.
Rear Tires for Jet Hopper and Turbo Hopper MK1/MK2
https://mciracing.ca/products/1-14th-tyc-turbo-hopper-rear-tires
Front Tires for Jet Hopper and Turbo Hopper MK1/MK2
https://mciracing.ca/products/1-14th-tyc-turbo-hopper-front-tires
This 'futuristic' look found its way into many Taiyo and Tyco R/C cars, with 'Aero' versions of all their most popular cars.
Availability and Collectability
The 'Aero' Jet Hopper is just a MK3, and so if you've driven that, you've driven this.
Whether you should add it to your collection depends if you enjoy the 'Aero' style. In any case, if you haven't got the original Jet Hopper MK3 yet, we'd recommend that one first.
Generally the Aero is available on eBay, and Japanese auction sites, though like all popular cars, it can be tough finding one that's not thoroughly beaten up. My recommendation is buy directly from Japan, those guys keep their stuff pristine.
