The Taiyo Evolution Hovercraft (or Jet Hovercraft Evolution) was a real working radio controlled toy hovercraft manufactured by Taiyo Toys (Japan), and released into the global market in 2004.
One of Taiyos all time most popular and successful models, the R/C Hovercraft had been produced in numerous variants since the original 1988 Taiyo Typhoon Hovercraft, although the design remained largely the same, with only minor tweaks and visual refreshes over a span of nearly 20 years production. See the original article for full details.
Features and Performance
Sporting a visual upgrade only, the specifications of the Evolution are as expected:
- 9.6V Turbo (8xAA) Battery Pack
- Large main lift motor with 2 x rear fans for forward/turning
- Large Teflon coated skirt / air cusion
- Upgraded 2000s era Taiyo radio controller with flexible rubberised antenna
- Internal foam for boyancy allowing land and sea traversing
Personally I've not had an opportunity to drive the Evolution, however I would expect performance is similar to all Taiyo Hovercraft - like controlling a bowling ball in an ice rink. Nevertheless, it's plenty of fun and something people just keep coming back to, myself included.
Variants of the Taiyo Hovercraft
Some of the many versions of the Taiyo Hovercrafts include:
Recommendation
For completionist collectors only perhaps, the Taiyo Evolution is the Second Last hovercraft ever manufactured by Taiyo, succeeded only by the 2005 Taiyo Thunder Storm a year later. A must have if you're looking for the whole set, but like many Taiyo and Tyco R/C models today, increasingly difficult to get a hold of.
