ARF, PNP, RTF, RTR - What Does It All Mean?
by Motion RCMotion RC models are available in a variety of Product Formats to suit your needs. The Product Format and its three letter acronym are a basic designation which tells you two primary things: 1) what amount of assembly is required and 2) what is included with the model. The following table provides a brief summary of each Product Format. More detailed descriptions are listed below the table.
Items Included | |||||||
Product Format | Assembly Required | Transmitter | Receiver | Battery | Motor | ESC | Servos |
RTF - Ready to Fly | Basic | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
RTR - Ready to Run | Basic | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
RTB - Ready to Bind | Basic | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
FTR - Futaba Transmitter Ready | Basic | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
PNP - Receiver Ready | Basic / Moderate | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||
ARF - Almost Ready to Fly | Moderate | ||||||
ARF PLUS - ARF plus Servos | Moderate | ✔ | |||||
ARF BUNDLE - ARF plus Electronics | Moderate | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||
KIT - Assembly Kit | Advanced |
ARF - ARF stands for "Almost Ready to Fly." An ARF is an aircraft that is "mostly" built with the exception of the main control and power system electronics. ARF's require you to purchase primary electronic components separately (motor, servos, ESC, etc). ARFs are for hobbyists who prefer a true build experience and/or prefer to put their own choice of electronics in the aircraft.
Requires: servos, ESC, motor, receiver, battery, charger, and transmitter.
ARF BUNDLE - An ARF Bundle is an ARF model bundled with all the electronics you need to build the aircraft. While the required electronics are included with the airframe, they are not installed in the airframe. These bundles typically include servos, motors, and ESCs. The bundle simplifies your purchase and saves you money compared to purchasing the required electronics separately.
Requires: receiver, battery, charger, and transmitter.
ARF PLUS - Expanding on the standard ARF format above, the ARF Plus model has all electronic components pre-installed, with the exception of the power system (the power system includes motor, EDF unit, and ESC). All other components, from the retracts to the servos to the lights, are factory installed. ARF Plus models are near ready-to-fly aircraft that give pilots the option of experimenting with custom power systems.
Requires: EDF, ESC, motor, receiver, battery, charger, and transmitter.
FTR - FTR or Futaba Transmitter Ready is identical to Bind N' Fly except that it includes a pre-installed Futaba compatible receiver instead of a Spektrum receiver. You must have a Futaba compatible radio in order to bind to a FTR aircraft.
Requires: battery, charger, and Futaba compatible transmitter.
KIT - KIT typically applies to aircraft, boat, and vehicle models that require a more advanced level of assembly. KITs are generally geared towards hobbyists who enjoy the process of building a model as much as they do driving or flying their models.
Requires: servos, ESC, motor, receiver, battery, charger, and transmitter.
PNP - PNP or Plug N' Play products are near ready-to-fly models requiring typically less than 1-2 hours of build time. PNP models include the ESC, motor, and servos all pre-installed from the factory. Many pilots prefer PNP models because it allows them the flexibility to use any brand of receiver in their aircraft.
Requires: receiver, battery, charger, and transmitter.
RTB - RTB or "Ready to Bind" aircraft include the ESC, motor, servos, and a Xwave receiver all pre-installed from the factory. You must have a compatible Xwave radio (sold separately) in order to "bind" to a RTB aircraft. RTB models do require some assembly, typically 1-2 hours of build time.
Requires: battery, charger, and Xwave compatible transmitter.
RTF - RTF stands for "Ready to Fly". Aircraft that are RTF come with everything you need to fly in the box. A transmitter, battery, charger, receiver, and all other required electronics are included and pre-installed from the factory. All you need to do is charge your battery, attach the wings and stabilizers and you're ready for flight. While everything is included and pre-installed, RTF models can require 30 minutes to two hours of assembly.
Requires: Nothing.
RTR - RTR means "Ready to Run" and is used to describe vehicles and boats that are basically ready to run/use out of the box. Some models may require minor assembly, but everything needed will be included in the box including the radio, receiver, battery, charger and all accessories.
Requires: Nothing.
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Freewing SR-71 Blackbird Twin 70mm EDF Jet With Gyro - PNP
SKU: FJ32211PG
- Deployable parachute activated by transmitter, for shorter, authentic landings
- Includes 3 decal sets for easy customization, or add your own personal touch
- EG01 gyro offers enhanced stability for a smooth flying experience
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Freewing F-22 Raptor High Performance 70mm EDF Jet – PNP
SKU: FJ22211P
- Quick-release wings simplify assembly and transport with added durability
- CNC aluminum struts deliver smooth landings and enhance scale realism
- 12-blade EDF power system offers powerful thrust and precise control
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Freewing F-14 Tomcat Twin 64mm EDF Jet - PNP
SKU: FJ11411P
- Iconic sweeping wings and full-house functionality for immersive flight
- Powerful twin 12-blade EDFs deliver exceptional speed and performance
- Integrated controller with 3/6-axis gyro ensures stable flight handling
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FlightLine B-25J Mitchell 1600mm (63") Wingspan - PNP
SKU: FLW306P
- Servo-driven bomb doors with four dummy "bombs" for true scale action
- CNC-machined aluminum landing gear with sequenced gear doors
- Quick release wings provide incredibly quick and easy assembly and transport
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Freewing F-22 Raptor 80mm EDF Jet with Gyro - PNP
SKU: FJ22311PG
- Stunning scale details with molded panel lines, rivets, and LED lighting
- Powerful 80mm EDF delivers smooth thrust and authentic jet-like sound
- Fully sequenced gear doors and CNC-machined struts for smooth landings
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Freewing F-86 Sabre 64mm V2 EDF Jet with Landing Gear - PNP
SKU: FJ11511P
- Included gear for thrilling touch and go’s, smooth takeoffs, and landings!
- 12-blade EDF with outrunner motor delivers exceptional power and sound
- Powerful, compact design for high performance and convenient transport
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RotorScale UH-1 Huey 200 Size Gyro Stabilized Helicopter - RTF
SKU: RSH1020-001
- Iconic Vietnam-era design with scale details for an authentic experience
- 6-axis gyro, optical flow and altitude sensor ensure smooth, stable flight
- Ready-to-fly package with everything needed – just add 4 AA batteries
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Freewing F-14 Tomcat Twin 80mm EDF Jet - PNP
SKU: FJ30812P
- Swept-wing design with aluminum wing box for dynamic and stable transitions
- Twin 80mm 12-blade EDFs delivering speeds over 100 mph with turbine sound
- Iconic "Bullet 101" VF-2 Bounty Hunters livery with detailed scale features
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Freewing F-22 Raptor High Performance 90mm EDF Jet - PNP
SKU: FJ31314P
- Unmatched agility with precise control for high-speed and slow-flight maneuvers
- Stunning MultiShade™ livery with metallic, satin, and matte finishes
- Powerful 6S 12-blade EDF system delivers thrilling speed and performance
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Freewing B-2 Spirit Bomber Twin 70mm EDF Jet - PNP
SKU: FJ31711P
- Massive 7+foot wingspan delivers incredible presence and scale realism
- Twin 70mm EDFs with 6S inrunner motors for efficient, powerful flight
- Pre-installed gyro stabilizes drag rudders and elevons for smooth handling
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RotorScale UH-60 Coast Guard 220 Size GPS Stabilized Helicopter - RTF
SKU: RSH1011-001
- GPS Stabilized
- Sliding Doors
- 2.4GHz Transmitter & Receiver
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Freewing F-16 V2 High Performance 90mm EDF Jet - PNP
SKU: FJ30631P
- Powerful 6S 12-blade EDF system delivers thrilling speed and performance
- Quick-release wings and armament for effortless assembly and transport
- Authentic scale details including CNC landing gear, speed brakes and more
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Freewing F9F Panther High Performance 70mm EDF Jet - PNP
SKU: FJ22111P
- Authentic scale livery honors aviation history with striking realism
- Quick-release wings and CNC struts boost scale looks and simplify transport
- 12-blade EDF delivers smooth thrust and exhilarating performance
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Futaba 6K-V3S 8-Channel Transmitter with R3008SB Receiver
SKU: FUTK6100
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Freewing 9g Digital Smart Reverse Servo with 600mm (23.6") Lead
SKU: FSS31091R-600
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Freewing 9g Digital Smart Reverse Servo with 100mm (3.9") Lead
SKU: FSS31091R-100
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Freewing 9g Digital Hybrid Metal Gear Reverse Servo with 500mm (19.7") Lead
SKU: FSS31093R-500
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Black Horse Fairchild Model 24 Argus 2357mm (92.79") Wingspan - ARF - (OPEN BOX)
SKU: BHFA000(OB)
- Impressive craftsmanship with a true-to-life open structure and details
- Built for rough fields—robust landing gear absorbs every landing
- Versatile power options—fly with electric or powerful 30-35cc gas
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RotorScale UH-60 Coast Guard 220 Size GPS Stabilized Helicopter - RTF - (OPEN BOX)
SKU: RSH1011-001(OB2)
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Heng Long China T-99A Upgrade Edition 1/16 Scale Battle Tank - RTR - (OPEN BOX)
SKU: HLG3899-001(OB)
- TK 7.0 Multi-function control board
- Steel transmission gears
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Bancroft USS Missouri 1/150 Scale 1800mm (70.8") USA Battleship - RTR - (OPEN BOX)
SKU: BNC1016-003(OB)
- Stunning museum-scale model almost 6' long!
- Powerful four-motor propulsion system
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Bancroft Yamato 1/200 Scale 1310mm (52") Japanese Battleship - RTR - (OPEN BOX)
SKU: BNC1001-003(OB)
- Museum-quality replica of iconic Japanese warship
- Impressive four-motor propulsion system
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Nexa 2108mm P-38 Lightning Olive Drab Gondola - (OPEN BOX)
SKU: NXA1013-104(OB)
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RotorScale 100 Size MD500 Transmitter Stick Tips (2)
SKU: RSH1017-126
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ZTW Backup Capacitor 25F 12V 25A
SKU: ZTW7002510
- Provides power to receiver in the event of BEC/receiver pack failure
- 6.0V-12.0V input voltage
- Up to 25A current output
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ZTW Backup Capacitor 25F 8.4V 25A
SKU: ZTW7002511
- Provides power to receiver in the event of BEC/receiver pack failure
- 6.0V-8.4V input voltage
- Up to 25A current output
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ZTW Backup Capacitor 60F 12V 25A
SKU: ZTW7006010
- Provides power to receiver in the event of BEC/receiver pack failure
- 6.0V-12.0V input voltage
- Up to 25A current output
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Tongde US M60A3 Professional Plus Edition 1/16 Scale Battle Tank - RTR - (OPEN BOX)
SKU: TDE1001-003(OB)
- Exclusive camo paint scheme
- Electroplated tracks and painted road wheels
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