Light Jet - Legacy Production
Cessna Citation Encore (Model 560 Encore): Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Cessna Aircraft Company
Cessna Citation Encore (Model 560 Encore): Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Cessna Citation Encore (Model 560 Encore), produced from 2001 to 2006, is the much-enhanced successor to the Citation V Ultra featuring upgraded Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535A engines, soft-landing trailing-link main landing gear, bleed-air wing anti-ice, and improved aerodynamics. Powered by twin PW535A turbofans producing 3,400 lbf each (15% more thrust than the Ultra's JT15D-5D), the Encore delivers 1,700 nautical miles of range, 426 ktas (Mach 0.71) maximum cruise, and a 45,000 ft service ceiling typically operated with two pilots. A total of 168-170 Citation Encores were built before the Encore+ took over in 2007. Pre-owned market today: $2 to $2.8 million.
For operators wanting the proven Citation 560 platform with PW535A reliability and trailing-link landing gear smoothness, the Encore is a meaningful upgrade over the Ultra.
Citation Encore Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Light Jet - Legacy Production |
| Production Status | Discontinued 2006 (replaced by Encore+) |
| Announced | 1998 |
| FAA Type Certification | April 26, 2000 |
| First Delivery | Late September 2000 |
| Production Years | 2001 to 2006 |
| Total Units Built | 168 to 170 |
| Model Designation | Cessna 560 Encore |
| Crew | 2 pilots typically |
| Passengers (Standard) | 7 |
| Passengers (Max) | 9 (with belted lavatory) |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR) | 1,700 nm |
| Max Cruise Speed | 426 ktas (Mach 0.71) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 380 ktas |
| Max Operating Altitude | 45,000 ft (FL450) |
| Engines | 2× Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535A |
| Thrust per Engine | 3,400 lbf at ISA+12°C (6,800 lbf total) |
| Engine Improvement | 15% more thrust, 16% better SFC vs JT15D-5D |
| Engine Inspection Interval | 5,000 hours |
| Fuel Capacity | 5,440 lbs (360 lbs less than Ultra) |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 16,630 lbs (up 330 lbs vs Ultra) |
| Wing Extension | 29 inches longer than Ultra |
| Avionics | Honeywell Primus 1000 (carried over from Ultra) |
| Cabin Length | 17 ft 4 in |
| Cabin Width | 4.83 ft (58 in) |
| Cabin Height | 4.83 ft (58 in) |
| Cabin Volume | 310 cubic ft |
| Balanced Field Length | 3,561 ft |
| Original Price (2000) | $7,200,000 |
| Pre-Owned Price (2025) | $2,000,000 to $2,800,000 |
History and Major Engineering Improvements
The Citation Encore was announced in 1998 and represented one of the most significant engineering refinements in the Citation 560 family. Cessna addressed several long-standing pilot complaints while substantially upgrading engine performance.
Platform timeline:
- 1998: Encore announced at NBAA
- April 26, 2000: FAA type certification
- Late September 2000: First customer delivery
- 2001 to 2006: Production run, 168-170 aircraft delivered
- December 14, 2006: Encore+ certified, replacing Encore in production
Key Improvements Over Citation V Ultra
The Encore introduced multiple meaningful upgrades:
Engine Improvements
- PW535A engines: 3,400 lbf vs Ultra's 3,045 lbf (15% increase)
- 16% better specific fuel consumption: Major operating economics improvement
- 5,000 hour inspection interval: Up from JT15D's 3,500 hours
- Hydromechanical fuel controllers: Improved dispatch reliability, reduced costs
Landing Gear Improvements
- Trailing-link main landing gear: Soft-landing characteristic (resolves "kerplunk" stiff-leg complaint of earlier Citations)
- Narrowed wheel track (3.7 ft): Better ground tracking and crosswind landing behavior
- Improved braking system: Mechanical linkages to individual metering valves replace master cylinders behind each pedal
- Better pilot feel and more subtle control: Brake modulation improvements
Aerodynamic and Systems Improvements
- 29-inch wing extension: Takes advantage of PW535A's increased high-altitude thrust
- Higher initial cruising altitude: Better fuel economy
- Bleed-air wing anti-ice: Replaces pneumatic deicing boots of Ultra
- Boundary layer energizers and stall fence: Improved stall characteristics
- Digital pressurization controller: Reduces pilot workload
- Redesigned interior fittings: More seated headroom
- New passenger service units: Better airflow and temperature control
Range Improvement
Despite 360 lbs less fuel capacity than Ultra (5,440 vs 5,816 lbs), the Encore delivers 35 nm more range (1,700 nm vs 1,665 nm Ultra Seats Full IFR) due to PW535A's 16% better SFC.
Cabin Interior
Cabin dimensions identical to Ultra with redesigned interior fittings:
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length | 17 ft 4 in |
| Cabin Width | 4.83 ft (58 inches) |
| Cabin Height | 4.83 ft (58 inches) |
| Cabin Volume | 310 cubic ft |
Cabin Features
- 7 passenger seats: Standard
- Belted aft lavatory: Standard
- More seated headroom: From redesigned interior fittings
- Better cabin temperature control: New passenger service units
- Redesigned panel and finishes: Modernized aesthetic
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | 426 ktas (Mach 0.71) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 380 ktas |
| Range (NBAA IFR) | 1,700 nm |
| Service Ceiling | FL450 (45,000 ft) |
Runway Performance
| Field Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Balanced Field Length | 3,561 ft (up from Ultra's 3,200 ft due to higher MTOW) |
| Landing Distance | ~2,900 ft |
Typical Mission Examples
- Los Angeles to Chicago (1,512 nm)
- New York to Bozeman (1,679 nm)
- Houston to Boston (1,531 nm)
- London to Athens (1,481 nm)
Engines
Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535A turbofan engines, each producing 3,400 lbf of thrust at ISA+12°C (6,800 lbf total). The PW535 family delivers:
- 15% more thrust than JT15D-5D
- 16% better specific fuel consumption
- 5,000 hour inspection interval
- Hydromechanical fuel control
Avionics
Honeywell Primus 1000 glass cockpit carries over from the Ultra:
- Three CRT computer screens (two PFDs + center MFD)
- Standby flight instruments
- Most aircraft now retrofitted with TCAS/TAWS terrain and traffic systems
- Common retrofits: ADS-B Out, GPS upgrades, electronic charts
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (~155 gph) | $1,085 to $1,395 |
| Engine Reserve | $400 (5,000 hr inspection) |
| Airframe Maintenance | $420 |
| Misc Variable | $220 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$2,125 to $2,435/hr |
Annual operating budget at 450 hours: approximately $1.6 million.
Charter rates: $3,200 to $4,000 per hour.
Pricing
| Year Range | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 2005 to 2006 Encore (final production) | $2,500,000 to $2,800,000 |
| 2003 to 2004 Encore | $2,200,000 to $2,500,000 |
| 2001 to 2002 Encore (early production) | $2,000,000 to $2,300,000 |
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Step-Up From Citation V Ultra: Substantial engine, landing gear, and systems improvements
- Light Corporate Flight Departments: Workhorse with improved economics
- Charter Operators: Better range and dispatch reliability than Ultra
- Operators Valuing Smooth Landings: Trailing-link landing gear
Less suited if:
- You need single-pilot certification (consider CJ family)
- You require FADEC engines (consider Encore+ or modern alternatives)
- You want Pro Line 21 avionics (consider Encore+)
- You need transcontinental U.S. range with full payload
Pros and Cons
What the Citation Encore Does Well
- 1,700 nm range with 16% better fuel economy than Ultra
- Trailing-link main landing gear (smooth landings)
- Bleed-air wing anti-ice (better than pneumatic boots)
- 5,000 hour engine inspection interval
- 45,000 ft service ceiling
- Stronger climb performance than Ultra (high-altitude thrust)
- Improved cabin headroom and systems
Tradeoffs to Understand
- 360 lbs less fuel capacity than Ultra (range gain comes from engine efficiency)
- Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics dated vs Encore+ Pro Line 21
- Two-pilot operation typically required
- 3,561 ft balanced field length (up from Ultra's 3,200 ft)
- No FADEC (Encore+ adds this)
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Citation Encore different from the V Ultra?
The Encore (2001) introduced PW535A engines (3,400 lbf vs Ultra's 3,045 lbf JT15D-5D), trailing-link main landing gear, bleed-air wing anti-ice (replacing pneumatic boots), digital pressurization controller, 29-inch wing extension, narrowed wheel track for better crosswind handling, and refined cabin interior. Range improved 35 nm despite 360 lbs less fuel capacity due to better SFC.
How many Citation Encores were built?
A total of 168 to 170 Citation Encores were built during the 2001 to 2006 production run.
What is the difference between Citation Encore and Encore+?
The Encore+ (2007-2011) added FADEC-controlled PW535B engines and Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics, replacing the Encore's hydromechanical engine controls and Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics.
Is the Citation Encore single-pilot certified?
The Citation Encore is typically operated with two pilots.
How far can a Citation Encore fly?
The Citation Encore has a maximum NBAA IFR range of 1,700 nautical miles.
What is the Citation Encore's military designation?
The U.S. Army uses the Encore as the UC-35B, and the U.S. Marine Corps uses it as the UC-35D (eleven aircraft).
The Bottom Line
The Cessna Citation Encore represents a substantial engineering refinement over the V Ultra, with meaningful improvements in engine technology, landing gear comfort, anti-ice systems, and aerodynamic efficiency. At current pre-owned pricing of $2 to $2.8 million, the Encore delivers proven 1,700 nm range, 7-passenger comfort, and improved operating economics compared to the Ultra. For operators wanting the Citation 560 platform with PW535A reliability and trailing-link smoothness, the Encore is the right pre-Encore+ 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 Encore market intelligence and pre-buy diligence.
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Related Aircraft Guides:
- Citation V Ultra: Predecessor Variant
- Citation Encore+: FADEC and Pro Line 21 Successor
- Citation V: Original Stretched Citation 560
- Citation Bravo: Direct Light Jet Competitor
Production of the Citation Encore ended in 2006. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Specifications accurate as of 2026.