The Tyco FAV Hopper (spelt F.A.V Hopper on the box) is a small 1/20 scale radio controlled car in the style of a Fast Attack Vehicle, manufactured by Taiyo (Japan) and released into the US, UK, and other markets worldwide by Tyco Toys.
Based on an actual vehicle used by Special Forces
The Tyco FAV Hopper draws inspiration from real military technology - Fast Attack Vehicles are lightweight, high-speed combat vehicles used by special forces and other military units for rapid deployment, reconnaissance, and strike operations across challenging terrain where agility and speed provide tactical advantages over heavily armored alternatives.
Tyco's 1987 release of the FAV Hopper was in line with a surge in military-themed toys and entertainment that captivated audiences. The mid-1980s saw massive success of military action films like "Top Gun" (1986) and the "Rambo" series, while television programming featured shows like "The A-Team" and the animated "G.I. Joe" series (1983-1986). These heroes glorified military vehicles and special operations, creating a perfect market for toys that let children recreate intense military battles.
Features and Performance
Based on a 1987 Tyco Mini Hopper chassis (which itself is a 1986 Taiyo Mini Hopper), the FAV uses 4 x AA batteries to provide decent indoor performance, with rear suspension and a full function ratio controller.
Interestingly, the FAV used the same 'thin' front tires that came with the original 1986 Taiyo Mini Hopper but were later phased out.
Noteably the FAV Hopper shipped with a colored controller, matching the miltary desert camo of the vehicle itself.
This was extremely uncommon for Taiyo / Tyco, and initially I could'nt think of any other vehicle in the 80s which did this, and then T.N. Crump Jnr who provided these photos reminded me of the tank! Also pictured below, it's a perfect companion to the Fast Attack Vehicle.
Thanks to T.N. Crump Jnr for donating this and most photos on this page.
The most popular R/C ever?
The FAV Hopper is one of many Mini Hopper variants that were released by Taiyo and Tyco during the late 80s. Check out a few below, or our full Guide to the Mini Hopper for more!
US versions
International versions
- 1986 Taiyo Mini Hopper
- 1987 Taiyo Mini Hopper 2
- 1987 Taiyo Mini Hopper 2 (Rare)
- 1987 Taiyo Aero Mini Hopper
- 1988 Taiyo Mini Hopper 3
- 1988 Taiyo Aero Mini Hopper 3
Availability and Collectability
The FAV Hopper is relatively uncommon, with very few appearing online for sale each year, and almost never in a box. Should you wish to purchase an FAV Hopper you may need to set a saved search on eBay and be very patient, or perhaps ask around the Tyco Collectors Facebook Group.
As for collectability, being perhaps the rarest Mini Hopper, any avid Tyco Collector would be happy to hold one of these in their collection, though pricing may be relatively modest due to the vehicles 4 x AA chassis and rarity even upon its release.
