ARF RC airplanes
- a good intro to model plane construction
ARF rc airplanes are a great choice if you're looking for a gentle introduction to model plane construction and assembly, rather than having to build the whole airplane from scratch.
'ARF' (or 'ARTF') stands for Almost Ready to Fly and such models are all very similar in terms of completeness, with just a few subtle differences between manufacturers.
ARF rc airplanes come about 90% completed and fully covered, with perhaps an optional sheet of decals for you to add to complete the final look of the model.
The majority of work to be done by you is related to radio control gear and motor installation, both of which are purchased separately from the airplane - few ARFs include any of these components, although some shops will offer 'combo deals' that do include these items with the plane.
Installation of motor and radio gear aside, other things you might need to do to complete the airplane might be fitting the landing gear, tailplane and fin assembly, fuel tank installation if you've bought a gas plane and the fitting of other peripheral hardware items.
Browse a selection of ARF rc airplanes.
The photo below shows a fairly typical ARF plane as purchased and awaiting completion...
Above, an ARF Extra 330 just needs radio gear & motor installation before final assembly
The above example is a large scale gas powered one, but electric rc airplanes are equally as popular for ARF lovers. A very nice example is the E-flite Beechcraft Bonanza, shown below...
With flaps, optional electric retracts and cockpit detail kit, this is a really nice looking scale ARF and is sure to be popular.
Installing the radio gear and motor into an ARF plane isn't a particularly difficult job if you've got some modeling knowledge, but if it's your first time then you really do need to follow the manufacturers instructions carefully and seek help if you need to; if you have any doubts whatsoever about the installation, consulting a fellow modeler, hobby shop staff or seeking advice on our forum would be the best thing to do.
Depending on how complete your ARF airplane is when you buy it, you may or may not need to do control surface and servo linkage work yourself when installing the radio gear. Again, not a difficult job but setting everything up properly is crucial to safe flying and the airplane's survival!
As mentioned earlier, an option these days is to buy an ARF combo deal - this is the airplane in ARF form sold with a suitable motor and radio gear. This just leaves you to do the installation and finishing work, without having to worry about which motor and rc set to buy.
This is a good way to purchase an ARF airplane because it ensures a perfect match across all components, and usually works out cheaper than buying the kit, motor and radio gear separately.
Whether you buy everything separately or in some kind of combo package, ARF rc airplanes are an excellent introduction to understanding basic model airplane building techniques, without jumping in at the deep end and building from a kit of parts and a plan.
Browse some ARF rc airplanes here, if you're looking to buy.
Related pages
Bind-N-Fly rc aircraft - an overview of BNF planes and helis.
Model airplane kits - a look at traditional airplane kit construction.
