Light Jet - Legacy Production
Cessna Citation Bravo (Model 550B): Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Cessna Aircraft Company
Cessna Citation Bravo (Model 550B): Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Cessna Citation Bravo (Model 550B), produced from 1997 to 2006, is the modernized successor to the long-running Citation II/S/II platform, combining the proven Citation II airframe with Pratt & Whitney Canada PW530A turbofans, a smoother-riding trailing-link main landing gear, and the Honeywell Primus 1000 glass cockpit. The Bravo delivers up to 1,720 nautical miles of range, 405 ktas (Mach 0.71) maximum cruise, and a 45,000 ft service ceiling typically operated with two pilots. A total of 337 Citation Bravos were built before production ended in late 2006, when the platform was replaced by the more-capable but more-expensive Citation CJ3. Pre-owned market today: $800,000 (early production) to $2.9 million (final production).
For operators wanting a proven seven-to-nine-passenger light jet at attainable acquisition cost, the Citation Bravo remains a strong value choice on the pre-owned market.
Citation Bravo Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Light Jet - Legacy Production |
| Production Status | Discontinued late 2006 |
| Announced | 1994 |
| First Flight | April 25, 1995 |
| FAA Type Certification | August 1996 |
| First Delivery | February 1997 |
| Total Units Built | 337 |
| Approximate In-Service Fleet (2026) | 320+ |
| Model Designation | Cessna 550B |
| Crew | 2 pilots typically (single-pilot capability varies) |
| Passengers (Standard) | 7 |
| Passengers (Max) | 9 (with belted lavatory) |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR) | 1,720 nm |
| Range (Seats Full) | 1,295 nm |
| Max Cruise Speed | 405 ktas (466 mph, Mach 0.71) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 360 ktas |
| Max Operating Altitude | 45,000 ft |
| Cabin Pressurization | 9.1 psi (sea level to 23,500 ft) |
| Engines | 2× Pratt & Whitney Canada PW530A |
| Thrust per Engine | 2,887 lbf (5,774 lbf total) |
| Avionics | Honeywell Primus 1000 glass cockpit |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 14,800 lbs |
| Cabin Length | 15 ft 9 in |
| Cabin Width | 4.83 ft (58 in) |
| Cabin Height | 4.67 ft (56 in) |
| Cabin Volume | 278 cubic ft |
| Total Baggage Volume | 73 to 74 cu ft (46 external + 28 internal) |
| Balanced Field Length | 4,065 ft |
| Original Price (peak 2006) | $5,800,000 |
| Pre-Owned Price (2025) | $800,000 (early production) to $2,900,000 (final production) |
History and the Citation II Lineage
By 1994, the Citation II and S/II had been in production for ten years, and the Citation II family was due for modernization. Cessna's response was the Citation Bravo: keep the proven Citation II airframe, add new engines, modernize the avionics, and improve passenger comfort.
Platform timeline:
- 1994: Citation Bravo announced as Citation II/S/II evolution
- April 25, 1995: First flight
- August 1996: FAA type certification
- February 1997: First customer delivery
- Late 2006: Production ceases; replaced by Citation CJ3
- 2018: Pre-owned market range $800K (1997) to $1.7M (2006); current pricing reflects market appreciation
What Makes the Bravo Different From the Citation II
The Bravo introduced four key improvements over the Citation II/S/II:
- Pratt & Whitney PW530A engines: Replaced original JT15D engines with more powerful, more fuel-efficient PW530A
- Trailing-link main landing gear: Smoother ride, common to other Citation family aircraft
- Honeywell Primus 1000 glass cockpit: Modernized avionics with glass displays
- Cabin improvements: Enhanced soundproofing, Citation Ultra-derived comfort design
Cabin Interior
The Bravo's cabin is based on the Citation Ultra design with extensive sound insulation and modernized finishes:
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length | 15 ft 9 in |
| Cabin Width | 4.83 ft (58 inches) |
| Cabin Height | 4.67 ft (56 inches) |
| Cabin Volume | 278 cubic ft |
Seating Configurations
- Standard 7-Passenger: Forward club with rear forward-facing seats
- 9-Passenger Max: With center club, belted lavatory
- Executive Configurations: Side-facing divan options
Cabin Features
- Bagged insulation and isolated interior shell: Eliminates low-frequency engine fan noise
- Secondary seal on cabin door: Cuts wind noise
- Multiple baggage compartments: 73-74 cu ft combined
- Aft externally-serviceable lavatory: With flushing toilet
- Forward galley: Optional refreshment center
- Widened airstair treads: Easier boarding (a frequent client complaint resolved)
- Below-seat storage drawers: All seats
- Compartment for coats and carry-on: Beside lavatory
- Digital pressurization controller: 9.1 psi pressurization
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | 405 ktas (466 mph, Mach 0.71) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 360 ktas |
| Range (NBAA IFR) | 1,720 nm |
| Range (Seats Full) | 1,295 nm |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft |
Climb and Fuel Burn
- First hour fuel burn: 1,100 lbs
- Second hour cruise (FL410-430): 750-830 lbs at 360-365 ktas
- Third hour cruise (FL450): 637 lbs at 350 ktas
Runway Performance
| Field Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Balanced Field Length | 4,065 ft |
| Landing Distance | 3,280 ft |
Typical Mission Examples
- Los Angeles to Chicago (1,512 nm)
- New York to Miami (956 nm)
- Houston to Denver (855 nm)
- London to Madrid (685 nm)
Engines
Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW530A turbofan engines, each producing 2,887 lbf of thrust (5,774 lbf total). The Bravo was the first light jet to use PW530A engines at the time of its launch.
Engine TBO: 4,000 hours, with overhaul cost approximately $1 million or $275 per hour on Power-by-the-Hour programs.
Avionics
Honeywell Primus 1000 glass cockpit:
- Glass displays: Replacing the analog instrumentation of earlier Citation II variants
- Weather radar: Standard
- Traffic avoidance information: Standard
- Digital maps: Standard
- Common retrofits: ADS-B Out, GPS, satellite weather
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (~135 gph) | $945 to $1,215 |
| Engine Reserve | $275 (Power-by-the-Hour) |
| Airframe Maintenance | $300 |
| Misc Variable | $200 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$1,720 to $1,990/hr |
Annual operating budget at 200 owner-flown hours: $650,000. Annual operating budget at 450 hours: $1.84 million.
Charter rates: $3,000 to $3,800 per hour.
Pricing
| Year Range | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 2005 to 2006 Bravo (final production) | $2,500,000 to $2,900,000 |
| 2002 to 2004 Bravo | $2,000,000 to $2,500,000 |
| 1999 to 2001 Bravo | $1,500,000 to $2,000,000 |
| 1997 to 1998 Bravo (early production) | $800,000 to $1,500,000 |
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Step-Up From Citation II: Familiar Citation 550 family pilot pool
- Light Corporate Flight Departments: Reliable workhorse platform
- Charter Operators: Strong dispatch, attainable acquisition
- Operators With Existing Citation Service Network: Strong Textron support
Less suited if:
- You need single-pilot certified jet (consider CJ family)
- You require Mach 0.78 cruise (consider CJ3 or Phenom 300)
- You want most-modern avionics (consider current production)
- You need transcontinental U.S. range (consider CJ4 or Sovereign)
Bravo vs Competitors and Successors
| Aircraft | Years | Range | Max Cruise | Pre-Owned |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citation Bravo | 1997-2006 | 1,720 nm | 405 ktas | $0.8M-$2.9M |
| Citation CJ3 (Original) | 2004-2014 | 1,900+ nm | 423 ktas | $3.5M-$5.5M |
| Citation V Ultra | 1994-1999 | 1,769 nm | 425 ktas | Similar |
| Beechjet 400A | 1993-2003 | 1,519 nm | 449 ktas | $1.5M-$2.5M |
| Learjet 31A | 1990-2003 | 1,415 nm | 460 ktas | $1.0M-$2.5M |
The Bravo competed against the roomier-but-thirstier Beechjet 400A, the faster but shorter-range Learjet 31A, and the longer-cabin Citation V Ultra. Production ceased in 2006 with the launch of the CJ3.
Re-Engine Program: Williams FJ44-3 Conversion
In December 2006, Clifford Development in Ohio launched a re-engine program for Citation II/Bravo aircraft, converting to Williams FJ44-3 engines (3,000 lbf) for approximately $1.9 million. Benefits of the conversion:
- 14% faster cruise: At optimum altitude
- 32% lower fuel burn: Substantial operating cost improvement
- Extended range: Up to 1,890 nm IFR / 2,064 nm VFR
- Optional Pro Line 21 avionics upgrade: Through Stevens Aviation partnership
By June 2012, Sierra Industries had re-engined 59 various Citations with FJ44 engines as part of broader retrofit and modification programs.
Pros and Cons
What the Citation Bravo Does Well
- 1,720 nm range capable of most U.S. domestic missions
- Pratt & Whitney PW530A engines: reliable, fuel efficient
- Trailing-link landing gear (smoother ride)
- Honeywell Primus 1000 glass cockpit
- Excellent cabin soundproofing
- 9.1 psi pressurization (sea level to 23,500 ft)
- Strong Citation parts and service network
Tradeoffs to Understand
- Two-pilot operation typically required
- Avionics dated vs modern integrated touchscreens
- Slower cruise than competitors (405 ktas vs 449+ for Beechjet/Learjet)
- 4,065 ft balanced field length limits short-runway access
- Production ended in 2006
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Citation Bravo single-pilot certified?
The Citation Bravo is typically operated with two pilots. Single-pilot capability varies by configuration and regulatory environment.
How far can a Citation Bravo fly?
The Citation Bravo has a maximum NBAA IFR range of approximately 1,720 nautical miles with full fuel and reduced payload.
How many Citation Bravo aircraft were built?
A total of 337 Citation Bravo aircraft were built between 1997 and late 2006. As of recent counts, approximately 320+ remain in operation.
What is the difference between the Citation Bravo and Citation II?
The Bravo retained the basic Citation II airframe but added Pratt & Whitney PW530A engines (replacing JT15D), trailing-link main landing gear, Honeywell Primus 1000 glass cockpit, and improved cabin design derived from the Citation Ultra.
What replaced the Citation Bravo in production?
The Citation Bravo was replaced in 2006 by the more-capable but more-expensive Citation CJ3.
Can the Bravo be re-engined with Williams FJ44 engines?
Yes. Clifford Development launched a re-engine program in December 2006, converting Citation II/Bravo aircraft to Williams FJ44-3 engines for approximately $1.9 million, with significant cruise speed and fuel burn improvements.
The Bottom Line
The Cessna Citation Bravo is one of the most-attainable used Citations in the seven-to-nine passenger light jet segment. At current pre-owned pricing of $800,000 to $2.9 million depending on production year, the Bravo offers genuine Citation reliability with PW530A engines, glass cockpit, and roomy cabin at a fraction of CJ3 or modern light jet acquisition cost. The tradeoffs are two-pilot operation and dated avionics, but for operators who don't need single-pilot certification or modern touchscreen displays, the Bravo remains a strong value choice.
Quantum Jets supports the platform across private jet charter, private jet rental, private jet card programs, aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, and aircraft leasing structures.
Talk to a Quantum Jets broker for Citation Bravo market intelligence, pre-buy diligence with attention to engine program enrollment, ADS-B compliance, and any re-engine modifications.
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Related Aircraft Guides:
- Citation II / S-II: Predecessor Platform
- Citation CJ3 (Original): Replacement Model
- Citation V Ultra: Direct Competitor
- Beechjet 400A: Competitor
Production of the Citation Bravo ended in late 2006. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Specifications accurate as of 2026.