Cessna Citation CJ3 vs Cessna Citation Bravo
The Citation Bravo (PW530A-engined Citation 500-series, ~404 kt) and CitationJet CJ3 (modern straight-wing CitationJet, ~417 kt) are different generations of Citation light jets — the Bravo is the older 500-series; the CJ3 is the modern single-pilot CitationJet.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation CJ3 | Cessna Citation Bravo |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $4,750,000 – $5,595,000 | $397,500 – $2,950,000 |
| Category | Light Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 9 | 8 |
| Cruise Speed | 391 kts (724 km/h) | 370 kts (685 km/h) |
| Range | 1,875 nm (3,472 km) | 1,680 nm (3,111 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 13,870 lbs (6,291 kg) | 14,800 lbs (6,713 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,230 lbs (1,465 kg) | 3,850 lbs (1,746 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 438.0 gal (1658 L) | 470.0 gal (1779 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 125.0 GPH (473 L/h) | 130.0 GPH (492 L/h) |
| TBO | 5,000 hrs | 4,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $275,000 | $280,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $335,000 | $300,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $1,850 | $1,900 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation CJ3
Fuel$688/hr
Variable$1,850/hr
Annual Fixed$335,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$705,000/yr
Cessna Citation Bravo
Fuel$715/hr
Variable$1,900/hr
Annual Fixed$300,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$680,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation CJ3 or Cessna Citation Bravo?
Bottom line: Choose the CJ3 for single-pilot certification, modern Garmin glass, the newer airframe and class-leading dispatch reliability. Choose the Bravo only for materially lower acquisition cost.
Pick the Citation CJ3 if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$1850/hr vs $1900/hr.
- More seats — 9 vs 8.
- Faster cruise — 391 kts vs 370 kts.
- Longer range — 1875 nm vs 1680 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2004 vs 1997.
- More inventory — 62 listings vs 35.
Pick the Citation Bravo if…
- Budget matters — from $397,500 vs $4,750,000, you save ~$4,352,500.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cessna Citation CJ3 or Cessna Citation Bravo?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation CJ3 cruises at 391 kts with 1,875 nm range.
The Citation Bravo cruises at 370 kts with 1,680 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 CJ3 and Cessna Citation Bravo?
Seats: 9 vs 8.
Cruise: 391 vs 370 kts.
Range: 1875 vs 1680 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation CJ3: about $1850/hr variable cost.
Citation Bravo: about $1900/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 CJ3: 9 seats / 3,230 lb useful load.
Citation Bravo: 8 seats / 3,850 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 CJ3: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$275,000.
Citation Bravo: 4,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$280,000.
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