ARF means almost ready to fly: the airframe is built, and you add the electronics. The 37in Sportster costs $78.00 with a motor included, and the 44in Red Baron costs $130.80 with a motor. The 40in Purple Lollipop costs $48.00 as an airframe only and needs a motor. All three need an ESC, servos, a radio, and a battery.
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What does ARF mean?
ARF stands for almost ready to fly, with the airframe mostly built.
You add the motor, ESC, servos, radio, and battery yourself.
ARF kits suit pilots who want their own choice of electronics.
The three ARF planes here measure 37 to 44 inches.
What do you get with each plane?
The 37in Sportster is a balsa plane with a brushless motor included.
The 40in Purple Lollipop has a balsa wing and a fiberglass fuselage.
The 44in Red Baron is a P-51 style warbird with a motor included.
What do you still need?
All three need an ESC, servos, and linkages before they can fly.
Add a 4-channel transmitter and receiver, plus a LiPo pack and a charger.
The Purple Lollipop also needs a motor, since it is sold as an airframe only.
How do you set up the first flight?
Check the center of gravity against the manual before the first flight.
Check the 4 channels move every surface the right way, with no slop in the linkages.
Check the wing for warp, and practice on a simulator first.
What did we check on the bench?
We matched the 37in, 40in, and 44in sizes to the three listings.
We matched the motor included note to the Sportster and Red Baron listings.
We counted 1 image on each of the three plane listings.
Quick comparison
| Plane | Size | Build | Motor | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sportster | 37in | Balsa | Included | $78.00 |
| Purple Lollipop | 40in | Balsa wing, fiberglass fuselage | Not included | $48.00 |
| Red Baron P-51 | 44in | Fiberglass fuselage, balsa wing | Included | $130.80 |
Steps
- Fit the ESC, servos, and linkages, plus a motor for the Lollipop.
- Bind a 4-channel transmitter and receiver to the plane.
- Check the center of gravity against the manual.
- Check every control surface moves the right way, with no slop.
- Practice on a simulator, then trim the plane after take-off.
Frequently asked questions
What does an ARF kit include?
The airframe, mostly built. You add the motor, ESC, servos, radio, and battery yourself.
Does the Purple Lollipop include a motor?
No. It is sold as an airframe only, so you need a motor as well as the ESC, servos, and radio.
What radio do I need?
A transmitter and receiver with 4 or more channels, plus a LiPo pack and a charger.
What should I check before the first flight?
The center of gravity, the control surface directions, the linkage slop, and the wing for warp.
Parts used
37in Sportster ARF Electric Plane with Brushless Motor (Balsa), $78.00
40in Purple Lollipop ARF Sport Plane (Balsa/Fiberglass), $48.00
44in Red Baron P-51 ARF Electric Warbird with Brushless Motor (Fiberglass), $130.80
Related buying guides on Quality RC Parts
ARF Balsa Planes: Sportster, Purple Lollipop, Red Baron
DS800 Radio Setup and Binding Guide for the F-08A Receiver
JST-XH Balance Leads: How to Balance-Charge LiPo Safely
Browse all the guides on the Quality RC Parts Drone Guides hub, or start at the Quality RC Parts store.
Sources
Quality RC Parts stocks parts in New York, USA and ships in-stock orders in 1-2 business days.
Last updated: 2026-11-11.