The Taiyo Typhoon T-4 is a radio control hovercraft released by New Concept Taiyo R/C into the Japanese market in 2003, as the 4th iteration of the classic 1988 Taiyo Typhoon.
Control
If you did’nt know what momentum was before, you’ll be an expert after driving the Typhoon! As with all RC hovercraft, the lack of a physical connection with the ground makes for a completely different experience to a wheeled vehicle, as you are literally sliding on a curtain of air.
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Like an object sliding across ice, it will rocket in whatever direction you originally sent it, then you’ll regain control by blasting your jets in another direction… then you’ll realize… there are no brakes!
Performance
With it’s limited release in Japan, not much is known about the T-4. For example, the top speed of the previous version, the Typhoon T-3 was increased from 15km/h to 20km/h, however it’s not known if this feature made it to the T-4 release. Given we cannot find any mention of speed on the box, we have to assume the standard 15km/h (9mph) for the T-4 until proven otherwise.
Battery technology
The Typhoon T4 was one of the first Taiyo products to utilize NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) battery technology, which provided greater power density and no memory effect, making charging easier.
The last of a Taiyo Tyco classic
The 2003 Typhoon T4 was the last ever Typhoon, and the only Typhoon never released in the United States and Worldwide by their partner Tyco Industries.
Following the Tyco Typhoon T-3 release in 1996, the Tyco company would be purchased by Mattel in 1997, which would see a reduced reliance on Taiyo for their products. Despite Tyco becoming Mattel’s radio control division, the takeover marked the beginning of the end for Tyco as a leading toy manufacturer and distributor, with Mattel eventually retiring the brand in the early 2000s.
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