Reactive plasma spraying process is a new technique which combines the advantages of self- propagating high-temperature synthesis and plasma spraying process to prepare the coatings. The principles and characteristic of the reactive plasma spraying process are summarized, and the typical reactive plasma sprayed coatings is also introduced, including the type and the characteristics. The coatings combine with the matrix well, distribute uniformly, have good compactness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance. At last for the further application, some theoretical problems in thermodynamics and kinetics as well as practical application problems are figured out.