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.
Get the latest from Motion RC sale and product announcements
You can unsubscribe at any time!
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
VIEW PRODUCT


Freewing Avanti S V2 80mm EDF Sport Jet - PNP
SKU: FJ21235P
- New color scheme picked by our customers
- New powerful motor and 12-blade fan
VIEW PRODUCT


Freewing F-16 V2 High Performance 90mm EDF Jet - PNP
SKU: FJ30631P
- 6S 3668-1960Kv Power System
- Scale, servo-actuated air brakes
- Quick release wings
VIEW PRODUCT


Freewing Eurofighter Typhoon 90mm EDF Jet - PNP
SKU: FJ31912P
- New for 2023 - Completely redesigned
- Functional scale air brake
VIEW PRODUCT


Freewing Universal Tail Flame Afterburner LED Lights for 80/90mm EDF Jets
SKU: E632
VIEW PRODUCT


Freewing AL37 Airliner Twin 70mm EDF Jet - PNP
SKU: FJ31513P
- 11 pre-installed LEDs
- Giant scale size with 1980mm length
- Twin, 12-blade 70mm EDFs
VIEW PRODUCT


FlightLine Spitfire Mk.IX 1600mm (63") Wingspan - PNP
SKU: FLW303P
- Grass capable landing gear with suspension struts
- Scale four panel split flaps
VIEW PRODUCT


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
- Stunning scale details with molded panel lines, rivets, and LED lighting
VIEW PRODUCT


Freewing F-16 Falcon 64mm EDF Jet V2 - PNP
SKU: FJ11112P
- Modernized 64mm F-16
- ESC with reverse thrust
VIEW PRODUCT


Freewing Tail Flame Afterburner LED Lights for Select 80/90mm Freewing EDF Jets
SKU: E631
VIEW PRODUCT


Freewing F9F Panther 4S Blue 64mm EDF Jet - PNP
SKU: FJ10322P
- New 4S power system
- Navy blue livery
VIEW PRODUCT


Freewing F-22 Raptor High Performance 70mm EDF Jet – PNP
SKU: FJ22211P
- Quick release wings
- Super scale details throughout
- High performance 12-blade EDF
VIEW PRODUCT


Freewing Mirage 2000C V2 High Performance 80mm EDF Jet - PNP
SKU: FJ20635P
- New 80mm 12-blade ducted fan
- Hybrid metal gear servos throughout
VIEW PRODUCT


Freewing F-16 V2 Ultra Performance 8S 90mm EDF Jet - PNP
SKU: FJ30632P
- 8S 4075-1350Kv Power System
- Servo-actuated air brakes
- Quick release wings
VIEW PRODUCT


Prolux Digital LED Thermal Sealing Iron - 230V
SKU: PLX1365
- Adjustable temperature 100°C to 220°C (212°F to 428°F)
- LED indicators for power and heating status
VIEW PRODUCT


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
VIEW PRODUCT


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
VIEW PRODUCT


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
VIEW PRODUCT


ZTW Backup Capacitor 60F 8.4V 25A
SKU: ZTW7006011
- Provides power to receiver in the event of BEC/receiver pack failure
- 6.0V-8.4V input voltage
- Up to 25A current output
VIEW PRODUCT


ZTW UBEC 30A HV Adjustable Output Voltage External BEC
SKU: ZTW3050010
- Adjustable output voltage of 5.2V-12V
- 30A continuous/60A peak current output
- Dual inputs for main and backup batteries
VIEW PRODUCT


ZTW UBEC 8A G2 Peak 15A Adjustable Output Voltage External BEC
SKU: ZTW3040011
- Adjustable output voltage of 5.0V-8.4V
- 8A continuous/15A peak current output
VIEW PRODUCT


ZTW Skyhawk 35A ESC with 8A SBEC
SKU: ZTW4035211
- 32-bit microprocessor controlled
- High Voltage SBEC
VIEW PRODUCT


Primus 1500mAh 2S 7.4v Li-ion Battery with T Connector
SKU: PRM6024-002
VIEW PRODUCT

Primus 1200mAh 2S 7.4V Li-ion Soft Battery with T Connector
SKU: PRM6024-001
VIEW PRODUCT



Hobby Squawk Community Forum
visit forum
RC Knowledge Blog
visit blog
Guidance & advice for beginners
Find out more