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 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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Freewing F-22 Raptor V2 High Performance 4S 64mm EDF Jet - PNP
SKU: FJ10513P
- Sleek and authentic camo livery enhance scale realism in flight
- Modular wing and tail system simplifies transport, assembly, and repairs
- 12-blade EDF with thrust-reversing ESC deliver exceptional power and speed
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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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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 AL37 Airliner Twin 70mm EDF Jet - PNP
SKU: FJ31513P
- Twin inrunner motors and 12-blade fans deliver smooth, efficient power
- Enhanced realism with full nav lights and scale aluminum suspension struts
- Lightweight giant-scale design with incredible flight characteristics
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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 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 Ultra Performance 8S 90mm EDF Jet - PNP
SKU: FJ31331P
- Cutting-edge 8S EDF power system delivers speeds exceeding 119 mph
- Unmatched agility with precise control for high-speed and slow-flight maneuvers
- Stunning MultiShade™ livery with metallic, satin, and matte finishes
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Lemon 7-Channel DSMX Compatible Telemetry Receiver Gen 2.1 with Gyro Stabilization
SKU: LM0086VPX
- Gen 2.1 with TextGen
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Freewing F-14 Tomcat Twin 64mm EDF Jet - ARF PLUS
SKU: FJ11411AP
- Customizable ARF+ design lets you choose your own power system
- Iconic sweeping wings and full-house functionality for immersive flight
- Integrated controller with 3/6-axis gyro ensures stable flight handling
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Lemon 7-Channel DSMX Compatible Receiver with Diversity Antenna
SKU: LM0081
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Freewing F-35 Lightning II V3 70mm EDF Jet - PNP
SKU: FJ21612P
- Top-loading battery bay and no-glue assembly simplify setup and maintenance
- Grass-capable suspension struts and steerable nose gear ensure smooth landings
- High-efficiency 12-blade EDF system delivers powerful performance and realism
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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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RotorScale Bell 206 200 Size Gyro Stabilized Helicopter - RTF
SKU: RSH1021-001
- Ready-to-fly package with everything needed – just add 4 AA batteries
- 6-axis gyro, optical flow and barometric sensor ensure smooth, stable flight
- Intelligent 7.4V LiPo battery with status indicator and USB-C charging
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Joysway DragonFlite 95 V3 950mm (37.4") Racing Sailboat - PNP
SKU: BNC1049-005
- Used in very popular global RC sailing competitions
- Ready for your choice of transmitter and receiver
- Revised boat stand delivers convenient storage, transport, and maintenance
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Joysway DragonFlite 95 V3 950mm (37.4") Racing Sailboat - RTR
SKU: BNC1049-006
- Eighteen specific improvements compared with V2 models
- Includes factory-installed FlySky i6 radio system
- Great for sport sailing, also used in very popular global RC yachting competitions
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Joysway DragonForce 65 V8 655mm (25.7") Racing Sailboat with i6 Radio - RTR
SKU: BNC1048-006
- Includes factory-installed FlySky i6 radio system
- Conveniently sized for ease of storage and transport
- Nineteen specific improvements over V7
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Joysway DragonForce 65 V8 655mm (25.7") Racing Sailboat - PNP
SKU: BNC1048-005
- Includes factory-installed winch and rudder servo, ready for your choice of RX/RX
- Nineteen specific improvements over V7
- Conveniently sized for ease of storage and transport
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Heng Long German Tiger 1 Professional Edition 1/16 Scale Heavy Tank - RTR - (OPEN BOX)
SKU: HLG3818-002(OB)
- Pro edition upgrades include: metal road wheels, full ball bearings, and cannon recoil
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Huina C2P3000 1/10 Scale Forklift - RTR - (OPEN BOX)
SKU: HUA1577-001(OB)
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COBI Opel Blitz 3600 Transport Truck 1:35 Scale Building Block Set
SKU: COBI-2254
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Freewing 23g Metal Gear Servo with 700mm (27") Lead
SKU: MD31231-700
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Bancroft 950mm DragonFlite 95 Deck Cloth Patch (4 Pcs)
SKU: BNC1049-118
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Skynetic 1400mAh 3S 11.1V 25C LiPo Battery with XT60 Connector
SKU: SKY1047-105
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Freewing 9g Digital Metal Gear Servo with 600mm (23") Lead
SKU: MD31092-600
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