ARF Balsa Planes: Sportster, Purple Lollipop, Red Baron
ARF means almost ready to fly: the airframe arrives built, and you fit the electronics. The 37in Sportster costs $78.00 with a brushless motor included, the 40in Purple Lollipop costs $48.00 as an airframe only, and the 44in Red Baron P-51 costs $130.80 with a brushless motor included. All three need an ESC, servos, a radio, and a flight battery.
Quick facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Sportster | 37in, balsa, motor included, $78.00 |
| Purple Lollipop | 40in, balsa wing, fiberglass fuselage, $48.00 |
| Red Baron P-51 | 44in, fiberglass fuselage, balsa wing, $130.80 |
| Motor included | Sportster and Red Baron only |
| What you add | ESC, servos, linkages, radio, battery, charger |
| Radio | 4 or more channels with a compatible receiver |
What does ARF mean?
ARF stands for almost ready to fly. The airframe arrives mostly built, and you add the control and power system electronics before the first flight.
Common items you add are servos, a motor or engine, an ESC, a receiver, batteries, and a transmitter.
ARF suits hobbyists who want a build experience and their own choice of electronics in the airframe.
How do the three planes compare?
The Sportster is a 37in sport plane in balsa wood, set up for electric power, with a brushless motor included for $78.00.
The Purple Lollipop is a 40in sport plane with a balsa wing and fiberglass fuselage, sold as an airframe only for $48.00, with no motor or electronics included.
The Red Baron is a 44in P-51 Mustang style warbird with a fiberglass fuselage and balsa wing, set up for electric power, with a brushless motor included for $130.80.
What do you still need for each plane?
The Sportster and the Red Baron need an ESC, servos, and linkages, plus a 4 or more channel transmitter and compatible receiver, a flight battery, and a charger.
The Purple Lollipop needs all of that plus a brushless motor and ESC, because it ships as an airframe only with no motor or electronics.
Check the listing for each plane before you order, because the included items differ between the three.
How do you set up the first flight?
Check three things before the first flight: the center of gravity, that every control surface moves the right way with no slop, and that the wing is not warped.
Start on a simulator with a USB transmitter until take-off, a rectangular circuit, and landing feel routine.
After the first take-off, trim the plane so it flies straight and level with the sticks centered, and stand behind or beside the propeller when the battery is connected.
What did we check on the bench?
We checked the Sportster listing states 37in, balsa, and a brushless motor included.
We checked the Purple Lollipop listing states 40in, balsa wing, fiberglass fuselage, and airframe only.
We checked the Red Baron listing states 44in, fiberglass fuselage, balsa wing, and a brushless motor included.
How the options compare
| Plane | Wingspan | Construction | Motor included | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sportster | 37in | Balsa | Yes | $78.00 |
| Purple Lollipop | 40in | Balsa wing, fiberglass fuselage | No | $48.00 |
| Red Baron P-51 | 44in | Fiberglass fuselage, balsa wing | Yes | $130.80 |
How do you finish an ARF plane in 5 steps?
- Unpack the airframe and check the wing, fuselage, and hardware against the listing.
- Fit the motor and ESC, or fit the motor first on the airframe-only Purple Lollipop.
- Install the servos and linkages, and set each control surface to move the right way.
- Install the receiver, bind the transmitter, and fit the flight battery.
- Check the center of gravity, trim the plane, and fly the first circuit with an experienced pilot beside you.
Parts that fit this guide
Shipped fast and securely from our secure facility in New York, providing fast, high quality USA shipping.
37in Sportster ARF Electric Plane with Brushless Motor (Balsa) ($78.00)
37in Sportster ARF electric plane at $78.00. A balsa sport plane set up for electric power, with a brushless motor included.
40in Purple Lollipop ARF Sport Plane (Balsa/Fiberglass) ($48.00)
40in Purple Lollipop ARF sport plane at $48.00. A balsa wing and fiberglass fuselage airframe, with no motor or electronics included.
44in Red Baron P-51 ARF Electric Warbird with Brushless Motor (Fiberglass) ($130.80)
44in Red Baron P-51 ARF electric warbird at $130.80. A fiberglass fuselage and balsa wing warbird with a brushless motor included.
Shop the full range: RC Planes at Quality RC Parts. See also: Related guide.
Read the companion version of this guide on MTSUAV.
Frequently asked questions
What does ARF mean?
Almost ready to fly. The airframe arrives mostly built, and you add the motor, ESC, servos, receiver, battery, and transmitter before flying.
Which plane includes a motor?
The Sportster and the Red Baron include a brushless motor. The Purple Lollipop ships as an airframe only with no motor or electronics.
What radio do I need?
A 4 or more channel transmitter with a compatible receiver. All three planes list the same radio requirement.
What should I check before the first flight?
The center of gravity, that every control surface moves the right way with no slop, and that the wing is not warped.
Sources
Last updated: November 11, 2026.