The Tyco Aero Turbo Hopper is a radio controlled car manufactured by Taiyo (Japan), and released into the US, UK, and other markets worldwide in 1988.
Essentially a Tyco Turbo Hopper with a new more aerodynamic body, the Aero Turbo Hopper was part of a range of 'Aero' toys that Tyco released to essentially double their catalog of R/C cars without significant investment in new chassis or features.
Originally sold by Taiyo in Japan as the Taiyo Aero Hopper, it was also sold in Australia as the Metro Aero Jet Hopper, and in various other countries under license.
Easily confused with its successor, the 1989 Tyco 9.6V Aero Turbo Hopper MK2.
Why "Aero"?
As Computer Aided Design (CAD) became a standard tool in designing conventional automobiles, the resulting car shapes were frequently characterized as more "aerodynamic." Consequently, this term gained traction and turned into a widely-used marketing strategy.
In an effort to leverage this growing trend, Taiyo and Tyco introduced numerous "Aero" variants of their best-selling RC cars during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Features and Performance
This particular version is the 'Aero' version of the Tyco Turbo Hopper (MK2).
It came with the following core features:
- 9.6V 'Turbo' battery power
- Top speed of 25km/h
- All round shocks / suspension system
- 2 Speed Gearbox
- Built-in charge plug and LED light
- Chrome wheels
- Updated rear tires with increased surface contact area
Availability and Collectability
The Aero Turbo Hopper is one of those cars you'll either love because you had it as a child (or always wanted it), or that you don't really think much about as you probably prefer the original. Ultimately it's just as good as the Turbo Hopper, but whether or not you like or more or less comes down to personal taste.
Availability varies, but is generally good though you may need to wait a few weeks to a few months for the right one to appear online.
From a financial sense, they are generally cheaper however it's very very rare to find an Aero in decent condition - most of them were played to pieces a long time ago.
