Cessna Citation Bravo vs Cessna Citation V
The Citation Bravo (1997-2006) is the PW530A-engined upgrade of the Citation II/SP line; the Citation V is the JT15D-5 variant; the Citation Encore (2000-2007) is the further-upgraded PW535A-engined V — all part of the Citation 500-series evolution.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna Citation Bravo
- For sale now
- 35
- Median asking
- $2,195,000
- Range
- $458,500–$2,850,000
- Model years available
- 1997–2006
Cessna Citation V
- For sale now
- 104
- Median asking
- $2,047,500
- Range
- $473,625–$3,660,250
- Model years available
- 1989–2008
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation Bravo | Cessna Citation V |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $458,500 – $2,850,000 | $473,625 – $3,660,250 |
| Category | Light Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 8 | 9 |
| Cruise Speed | 370 kts (685 km/h) | 390 kts (722 km/h) |
| Range | 1,680 nm (3,111 km) | 1,800 nm (3,334 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 14,800 lbs (6,713 kg) | 15,900 lbs (7,212 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,850 lbs (1,746 kg) | 4,250 lbs (1,928 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 470.0 gal (1779 L) | 500.0 gal (1892 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 130.0 GPH (492 L/h) | 140.0 GPH (530 L/h) |
| TBO | 4,500 hrs | 4,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $280,000 | $300,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $300,000 | $300,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $1,900 | $2,000 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation Bravo
Fuel$715/hr
Variable$1,900/hr
Annual Fixed$300,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$680,000/yr
Cessna Citation V
Fuel$770/hr
Variable$2,000/hr
Annual Fixed$300,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$700,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation Bravo or Cessna Citation V?
Bottom line: Choose the Encore for the most powerful, longest-range variant of the 500-series. Choose the Bravo for the PW530A engine economics; choose the V for the proven JT15D platform. Each is a refinement of the same fundamental light-jet airframe.
Pick the Citation Bravo if…
- Budget matters — from $458,500 vs $473,625, you save ~$15,125.
- Lower operating cost — ~$1900/hr vs $2000/hr.
- Newer design — production from 1997 vs 1989.
- More inventory — 32 listings vs 4.
Pick the Citation V if…
- More seats — 9 vs 8.
- Faster cruise — 390 kts vs 370 kts.
- Longer range — 1800 nm vs 1680 nm.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between the Citation Bravo and Citation V?
Lineage and cabin size. The Citation Bravo (Model 550B) is an advanced version of the Citation II / 550 family — a refined light jet with PW530A engines, produced 1997–2006. The Citation V (Model 560) is a larger platform with the 560's wider fuselage and JT15D-5 engines, produced 1988–1994. The V has more cabin volume; the Bravo has more modern engines at lower acquisition cost.
Bravo or V — which is right for me?
Buy the Citation Bravo if you want a light jet with modern PW530A engines, lower fuel burn, and lower acquisition cost than a V, with missions typically two-to-five passengers under 1,400 nm. Buy the Citation V if you routinely carry five-to-six passengers and want the larger 560 fuselage cross-section. The V's cabin is larger; the Bravo's PW530A offers fuel-burn and operating-cost advantages over the V's JT15D-5.
How do the cabins compare?
The Citation V (Model 560) has the wider, taller 560 fuselage — more shoulder room and headroom than the 550/Bravo fuselage. For five to six passengers, the V's extra cabin volume is tangible. For two to four passengers, the Bravo's cabin is comfortable and adequate. If frequent full-cabin loads are the mission, the V's extra space matters; for typical owner-pilot missions, the Bravo's cabin is sufficient.
Which is faster and has more range?
Both are similar in cruise speed — approximately 400 kt for the Bravo and approximately 430 kt for the V; the V is modestly faster. Range is comparable — approximately 1,400–1,500 nm for each. Neither has a decisive advantage in speed or range; the cabin and engine are the differentiating factors.
How do specs compare?
Bravo: PW530A engines, six seats, ~400 kt, ~1,400 nm, 1997–2006. V (560): JT15D-5 engines, six seats, ~430 kt, ~1,500 nm, 1988–1994 (then Ultra/Encore).
How do prices compare?
See the comparison table above for current asking prices. The Bravo and V occupy similar price tiers in the used market, though the Bravo's more recent production (ending 2006 versus the V ending 1994) generally makes it the newer example at comparable cost.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The Bravo's PW530A engines are generally considered more fuel-efficient than the V's JT15D-5 at equivalent power settings, so Bravo operating cost per hour is typically lower. The difference is not dramatic — both are in the light-jet operating-cost tier. Evaluate specific engine times and overhaul status on any individual aircraft rather than relying on fleet averages.
Which should I buy?
Bravo for lower operating costs and a newer production year at similar prices — the PW530A is the more modern engine. V for the larger 560 cabin when five-to-six passengers at full comfort is the regular mission. On purely economic grounds with comparable-condition examples the Bravo often wins; on cabin volume the V has the advantage.
Which is better, Cessna Citation Bravo or Cessna Citation V?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation Bravo cruises at 370 kts with 1,680 nm range.
The Citation V cruises at 390 kts with 1,800 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna Citation Bravo and Cessna Citation V?
Citation Bravo engine: PRATT & WHITNEY PW530A.
Citation V engine: PRATT & WHITNEY JT15D-5A.
Seats: 8 vs 9.
Cruise: 370 vs 390 kts.
Range: 1680 vs 1800 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation Bravo: about $1900/hr variable cost.
Citation V: about $2000/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
Citation Bravo: 8 seats / 3,850 lb useful load.
Citation V: 9 seats / 4,250 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Citation Bravo: 4,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$280,000.
Citation V: 4,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$300,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data