The Tyco Turbo Fighter is a radio controlled model manufactured by Taiyo (Japan) and released by Tyco into the US, UK, and other markets worldwide in 1989.
Originally released as the 1987 Taiyo Jet Fighter (Global) / 1987 Jet Fighter (Japan).
Jet Fighter vs Turbo Fighter
This Tyco variant of the original Taiyo model brings with it an upgraded controller (Pistol Grip) and also changes to the decals / livery.
A little too much inspiration?
The original Taiyo Jet Fighter is a gorgeous looking car, with a very aggressive feel to it. So why did Tyco change such a good thing?
I’d suggest there was a very good reason for this – Tyco USA were almost certainly concerned of legal action from Tamiya USA if they released a car that looked almost exactly like the Tamiya Boomerang!
Go on – take a close look. It’s easier to spot things that don’t look the same!
Features and Performance
Bringing all the performance of the original, the Turbo Fighter is no slouch, and is at home outdoors on a dirt track, or doing donuts in the dust.
- Big 1/14 scale (compared with 1/16 of the Turbo Hopper)
- ‘9.6V Turbo’ powered by 8xAA Batteries
- Pistol Grip Controller
- Easy battery access along the base of vehicle
- Unique front suspension system
- Rear Shock Absorbers
- LED ‘On’ light
- Large air filled off-road tires
- Top speed of 27km/h (17mph)
(Equal to the Turbo Hopper MK3 despite the larger size)
Recommendation
If you’re looking to buy a Turbo Fighter, the chances of picking one up almost 40 years after release isn’t too great, but there are some models popping up occasionally – though you’ll have to be fast. We’ve only seen one sold in a box, with the majority sold as car + controller, making any boxed item likely to fetch a premium.
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