ORIGINAL: motormind
About 6 months ago, I got back into the R/C flying after being away from it for about 20 years. I was amazed by the way ARF models(particularly glow) have improved over the years, such that they are now more popular than kit built planes, at least in my club. I was even more impressed by RTF trainers like the Superstar and Avistar ( I have one of each) and I'm wondering how long it will be before companies like Hobbico and Hangar 9 begin offering RTF glow sport models for intermediate and advanced flyers.
I doubt you will see many RTF intermediate planes. What you are more likely to see are Receiver ready planes. After the first plane you will either step up to a computer radio, or you will reuse your radio from the RTF. Either way, you don't need a radio with the plane.
The plane will have servos installed, perhpas a receiver pack, and all you do is buy a receiver on your channel, plug it all in and off you go!
Consider this, in a factory setting in mass production you take an ARF and add rudder, elevator, two aileron servos, maybe extensions and you are all set. But it would cost the average Joe $60-$70 plus time to do it. If it is a glow plane, another servo with adjustable attachmetn for the throttle. If it is electric, then an electronic speed control appropriate to the motor.
That adds maybe $100-150 to the final plane at retail for a typical .40-.60 or an aerobatic Speed 500 electric.
Kits will continue to fade, but will always be there.
ARFs will be the kit of the future.
RTFs will be for beginners
receiver ready will be the RTF for the intermediate and advanced pilot who has no interest in building even an ARF.