Nexa RC Planes: Motion RC’s Balsa ARF Range Explained
Nexa is Motion RC’s in-house brand of balsa and plywood ARF airplanes. The range covers scale warbirds like the A6M5 Zero, classic trainers and biplanes like the DH.82 Tiger Moth, civil aircraft like the CE-208 Caravan-style “Airliner Express” and the Marchetti SF-260, and sport planes like the G35 V-tail. Most are designed for .46 to .60 size glow or gas engines or equivalent electric power, with wingspans typically around 1.4–1.7 m. They come covered and largely built, ready for you to add power, servos and a radio.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20263 min read
Examples from the range
| Model | Wingspan | Class |
|---|---|---|
| DH.82 Tiger Moth | 1400 mm | .46 size, electric or glow |
| A6M5 Zero | 1580 mm | .46 size warbird |
| G35 Sport V-Tail | 1580 mm | Sport/scale |
| Marchetti SF-260 | 1620 mm | .60 size aerobatic |
| CE-208 Airliner Express | 1700 mm | Scale utility |
From Motion RC listings, checked October 2026; the range changes over time.
What “ARF” means here
Nexa ARFs arrive with the airframe built and covered, plus hardware such as landing gear, wheels and often a cowl and canopy. You add an engine or motor and ESC, servos, a receiver and battery, then glue in the tail, fit control horns and linkages, and balance the model. Assembly usually takes a few evenings. Some versions come with options like retracts or flaps that need extra servos.
Why pilots choose them
Balsa ARFs fly with a solid, locked-in feel that foam models often lack, and they look the part with scale outlines and film or painted finishes. Nexa’s selling points are scale variety, value for a balsa model, and Motion RC’s support and spare parts. Balsa construction is explained in how to build a balsa wood RC airplane.
Electric or glow
Many Nexa models are designed to take either power type. Glow or gas gives long flights and engine sound; electric is cleaner and simpler. For electric, match the recommended motor and use the battery size that reaches the right CG. For glow, follow the engine size and fit a fuel-proofed tank area. Engine background is in model airplane engines.
Assembly tips
- Go over the covering with a heat iron to tighten wrinkles.
- Check all factory glue joints, especially firewall and gear mounts.
- Use thin CA or epoxy where joints look dry.
- Glue hinges properly; don’t trust them untested.
- Set CG and throws exactly as the manual specifies.
- Threadlock metal screws into metal parts.
Who they suit
- Pilots who have learned on a trainer and want a scale model.
- Glow fliers who want a choice of power.
- Pilots who enjoy finishing a model without a full build.
- Not ideal as a very first plane, except trainer-type models.
Nexa balsa vs foam PNP
Foam PNP models are faster to fly and cheaper to repair after a minor crash, while balsa ARFs offer stiffer airframes, better looks up close and the option of glow power. Balsa repairs take more skill, but a damaged balsa plane can often be rebuilt well.
“Nexar” plane searches
People searching for a “Nexar plane” usually mean Nexa. Nexar is an unrelated dashcam brand.
Parts and support
Because Nexa is Motion RC’s own brand, spare parts such as cowls, canopies, landing gear and sometimes replacement wing or tail sets are sold through the same shop. Check that the spares for a model are in stock before buying, since older models may be discontinued.
FAQ
Who makes Nexa planes?
Nexa is Motion RC’s own brand.
Are Nexa planes balsa?
Yes, balsa and plywood ARFs.
Can they be electric?
Most are designed for electric or glow.
Are they for beginners?
Mostly for pilots past the trainer stage.
More on this topic: the complete RC Airplanes guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
