Light Jet - Legacy Production
Cessna Citation V (Model 560): Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Cessna Aircraft Company
Cessna Citation V (Model 560): Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Cessna Citation V (Model 560), produced from 1989 to 1994, is the stretched, more-powerful successor to the Citation S/II that became the best-selling business jet on the market during its production run. Powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5A turbofans producing 2,900 lbf each, the Citation V delivers 1,769 nautical miles of range, 425 ktas (Mach 0.71) maximum cruise, and a 45,000 ft service ceiling typically operated with two pilots. The Citation V was also the first Citation to feature an electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) as standard equipment, albeit only on the captain's side. A total of 262 Citation Vs were delivered between April 1989 and mid-1994. Pre-owned market today: $900,000 to $1.4 million.
For operators wanting a proven mid-range light jet at attainable acquisition cost, the Citation V offers a strong combination of cabin size, performance, and Citation reliability.
Citation V Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Light Jet - Legacy Production |
| Production Status | Discontinued mid-1994 (replaced by Citation Ultra) |
| Announced | 1987 NBAA Convention |
| Preproduction Prototype First Flight | Early 1986 |
| Engineering Prototype First Flight | August 1987 |
| FAA Type Certification | December 9, 1988 |
| Deliveries | April 1989 to mid-1994 |
| Total Units Built | 262 |
| Best-Selling Business Jet | During production run |
| Crew | 2 pilots |
| Passengers (Standard) | 7 to 8 |
| Passengers (Max) | 9 |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR) | 1,769 nm |
| Max Cruise Speed | 425 ktas (Mach 0.71) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 380 ktas |
| Max Operating Altitude | 45,000 ft |
| Engines | 2× Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5A |
| Thrust per Engine | 2,900 lbf (5,800 lbf total) |
| Fuel Capacity | 5,816 lbs |
| Cabin Length | 17.3 ft (1.5 ft stretch over Citation S/II) |
| Cabin Width | 4.83 ft (58 in) |
| Cabin Height | 4.83 ft (58 in) |
| Cabin Volume | ~292 cubic ft |
| Cabin Windows | 7 per side |
| Original Price (1989) | $4,400,000 |
| Pre-Owned Price (2025) | $900,000 to $1,400,000 |
History as Cessna's Best-Selling Business Jet
The Citation V was developed as a stretched, more-powerful evolution of the Citation S/II. Cessna retained the S/II's supercritical airfoil and swept wing roots, but added an 18-inch fuselage stretch, recontoured interior, more powerful engines, and the company's first standard-equipment EFIS display.
Platform timeline:
- Early 1986: Preproduction prototype first flight
- August 1987: First engineering prototype maiden flight
- NBAA 1987: Citation V publicly announced
- December 9, 1988: FAA certification
- April 1989: First deliveries begin
- 1989-1994: 262 aircraft delivered
- Production Period: Citation V was the best-selling business jet on the market
The U.S. military designation is UC-35 as an executive transport, with OT-47B as a reconnaissance aircraft (purchased by U.S. DoD in 1995 for drug interdiction, equipped with AN/APG-66 radar and WF-360TL thermal imaging).
Key Improvements Over Citation S/II
- 1.5 ft fuselage stretch: 17.3 ft cabin vs S/II's 15.7 ft
- JT15D-5A engines: 2,900 lbf vs S/II's 2,500 lbf
- Recontoured interior: Increased passenger space
- EFIS standard equipment: First Citation with EFIS as standard (captain's side)
- Improved pneumatic deicing boots: Replaces fluid deicing of S/II
- Increased horizontal stabilizer span: Compensates for increased thrust
- Higher service ceiling: 45,000 ft
Cabin Interior
The Citation V's 1.5 ft stretch and recontoured interior created a meaningfully more comfortable cabin than predecessors:
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length | 17.3 ft |
| Cabin Width | 4.83 ft (58 inches) |
| Cabin Height | 4.83 ft (58 inches) |
| Cabin Volume | ~292 cubic ft |
| Windows per side | 7 |
Cabin Features
- Four-seat club: Standard configuration
- Dropped aisle: Increases effective cabin headroom
- 7 windows per side: Generous natural light
- Improved pneumatic deicing: Reduced maintenance vs S/II
- EFIS captain's side: Industry-first as standard equipment for the type
Seating Configurations
- Standard 7-Passenger Executive: Forward club plus aft seating
- 8-Passenger Maximum: Various configurations
- Belted Lavatory Option: Increases total occupancy
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | 425 ktas (Mach 0.71) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 380 ktas |
| Range (NBAA IFR) | 1,769 nm |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft |
Typical Mission Examples
- Los Angeles to Chicago (1,512 nm)
- New York to Miami (956 nm)
- Houston to Boston (1,531 nm)
- London to Madrid (685 nm)
- London to Athens (1,481 nm)
Engines
Two Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5A turbofan engines, each producing 2,900 lbf of thrust (5,800 lbf total). The JT15D-5A delivers meaningfully more thrust than the JT15D-4B used on the S/II.
Avionics
The Citation V was the first Citation with electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) standard equipment, though only on the captain's side. The Citation Ultra (1994 successor) upgraded both pilots to full Honeywell Primus 1000 glass cockpit.
Common retrofits on the in-service fleet:
- Garmin GNS 530/430 navigation
- Garmin G600 TXi PFD upgrades
- ADS-B Out compliance
- WAAS/LPV navigation
- Synthetic Vision options
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (~165 gph) | $1,155 to $1,485 |
| Engine Reserve | $300 |
| Airframe Maintenance | $400 |
| Misc Variable | $230 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$2,085 to $2,415/hr |
Annual operating budget at 400 hours: approximately $1.5 million.
Charter rates: $3,200 to $4,000 per hour.
Pricing
| Year Range | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 1992 to 1994 Citation V (final production) | $1,100,000 to $1,400,000 |
| 1990 to 1991 Citation V | $1,000,000 to $1,200,000 |
| 1989 Citation V (early production) | $900,000 to $1,100,000 |
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Step-Up From Citation II/S/II: More cabin, more range, same Citation pilot pool
- Light Corporate Flight Departments: Reliable workhorse platform
- Charter Operators: Strong dispatch and 8-passenger capacity
- Operators With Existing Citation Service Network: Strong Textron support
Less suited if:
- You need full glass cockpit (consider Ultra)
- You require modern integrated avionics (G3000)
- You want trailing-link landing gear (consider Encore)
- You need stand-up cabin (consider Excel)
Pros and Cons
What the Citation V Does Well
- 1,769 nm range capable of most U.S. domestic missions
- 17.3 ft cabin (largest straight-wing Citation at time of launch)
- Pratt & Whitney JT15D-5A engines: proven reliability
- First Citation with EFIS standard
- Best-selling business jet during production run
- 45,000 ft service ceiling
- Citation parts and service network
Tradeoffs to Understand
- EFIS only on captain's side (Ultra adds both)
- Two-pilot operation typically required
- 1989-1994 avionics dated (most retrofitted)
- Cabin similar dimensions to Citation II/S/II (despite stretch, focus is length)
Frequently Asked Questions
How far can a Citation V fly?
The Citation V has a maximum NBAA IFR range of approximately 1,769 nautical miles.
How many Citation V aircraft were built?
A total of 262 Citation V aircraft were delivered between April 1989 and mid-1994.
What is the difference between Citation V and Citation Ultra?
The Citation Ultra (1994-1999) replaced the Citation V with upgraded JT15D-5D engines (3,045 lbf vs 2,900 lbf), full Honeywell Primus 1000 glass cockpit (both pilots, not just captain's side), and other refinements. The cabin and basic airframe remain similar.
What is the Citation V's military designation?
The U.S. military designation is UC-35 as an executive transport. The OT-47B is a reconnaissance variant used for drug interdiction operations.
Was the Citation V really the best-selling business jet?
Yes. During its production run from 1989 to mid-1994, the Citation V was the best-selling business jet on the market, demonstrating Cessna's continued dominance in the light jet segment.
Is the Citation V single-pilot certified?
The Citation V is typically operated with two pilots. Single-pilot capability varies by configuration.
How big is the Citation V cabin?
The Citation V has a 17.3 ft cabin (length), 58 inches wide and 58 inches high, with approximately 292 cubic feet of cabin volume.
The Bottom Line
The Cessna Citation V is the platform that established Cessna's dominance in the 8-passenger light jet segment, becoming the best-selling business jet during its production run. At current pre-owned pricing of $900K to $1.4 million, the Citation V remains an attainable entry into the larger straight-wing Citation 560 family. The tradeoff is dated avionics (most retrofitted), but for operators willing to do panel updates, the Citation V delivers genuine 1,769 nm range and 8-passenger capability at a fraction of modern light jet acquisition cost.
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 V market intelligence and pre-buy diligence.
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Related Aircraft Guides:
- Citation V Ultra: Direct Successor (1994-1999)
- Citation Encore: Further Evolution (2001-2007)
- Citation Encore+: Final Citation 560 Variant
- Citation S/II: Predecessor Platform
Production of the Citation V ended in mid-1994. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Specifications accurate as of 2026.