Light Jet - Legacy Production
Cessna Citation V Ultra (Model 560 Ultra): Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Cessna Aircraft Company
Cessna Citation V Ultra (Model 560 Ultra): Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Cessna Citation V Ultra (Model 560 Ultra), produced from 1994 to 1999, is the modernized successor to the Citation V that became the foundation of a major fractional operator' fractional fleet growth in the 1990s and earned Flying Magazine's "Best Business Jet" award in 1994. Powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5D turbofans producing 3,045 lbf each (145 lbf more per side than the Citation V), the Ultra delivers up to 1,960 nautical miles of range, 425 ktas (Mach 0.71) maximum cruise, and a 45,000 ft service ceiling typically operated with two pilots. The Ultra was the first straight-winged Citation with sufficient performance to exceed its critical Mach number in level flight. A total of 279 Citation V Ultras were delivered. Pre-owned market today: $1.5 to $2.4 million.
For operators wanting a proven seven-to-eight passenger light jet with full glass cockpit at attainable acquisition cost, the Citation V Ultra remains a strong value choice.
Citation V Ultra Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Light Jet - Legacy Production |
| Production Status | Discontinued 1999 (replaced by Citation Encore) |
| Announced | September 1993 |
| FAA Type Certification | June 1994 |
| Production Years | 1994 to 1999 |
| Total Units Built | 279 |
| 1994 Industry Award | Flying Magazine "Best Business Jet" |
| a major fractional operator Fleet Significance | Largest operator (60+ purchased new) |
| Model Designation | Cessna 560 Ultra |
| Crew | 2 pilots |
| Passengers (Standard) | 7 to 8 |
| Passengers (Max) | 9 |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR, 4 pax) | 1,960 nm |
| Range (Seats Full) | 1,228 to 1,651 nm |
| Max Cruise Speed | 425 to 430 ktas (Mach 0.71) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 380 ktas |
| Max Operating Altitude | 45,000 ft |
| Engines | 2× Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5D |
| Thrust per Engine | 3,045 lbf (6,090 lbf total) |
| Fuel Capacity | 5,816 lbs |
| Fuel Burn | 195 gph |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 16,300 lbs |
| Avionics | Honeywell Primus 1000 (full glass, both pilots) |
| Cabin Length | 17 ft 4 in |
| Cabin Width | 4.83 ft (58 in) |
| Cabin Height | 4.83 ft (58 in) |
| Cabin Volume | 292 to 310 cubic ft |
| Total Baggage Capacity | 1,450 lbs / 63 to 67 cu ft (850 nose + 600 aft) |
| Balanced Field Length | 3,200 ft |
| Original Price (1994) | $5,495,000 |
| Pre-Owned Price (2025) | $1,500,000 to $2,400,000 |
History and a major fractional operator Era
The Citation V Ultra launched in 1994 as a major upgrade to the Citation V platform. A major fractional operator, then coming of age as a fractional aviation provider, bet the future of its fleet on the Ultra and became the type's largest operator with 60+ aircraft purchased new.
Platform timeline:
- September 1993: Citation Ultra announced as Citation V evolution
- June 1994: FAA type certification
- 1994: Named Flying Magazine "Best Business Jet"
- 1994 to 1999: Production run, 279 aircraft delivered
- 1995: Five V Ultras purchased by U.S. DoD for drug interdiction (OT-47B variant with AN/APG-66 radar)
- 1999: Replaced in production by Citation Encore (2001 first delivery)
Corporate operators routinely fly Citation Ultras 600 to 1,200+ hours per year, demonstrating exceptional dispatch reliability.
Key Improvements Over Citation V
- JT15D-5D engines: New compressors, high-pressure turbines, one-piece machined fan disks
- 3,045 lbf thrust per side: Up from 2,900 lbf (5% increase)
- Improved fuel consumption: Slightly more efficient than JT15D-5A
- Full Honeywell Primus 1000 glass cockpit: Both pilots (Citation V had EFIS only on captain's side)
- First straight-wing Citation to exceed critical Mach: Performance milestone
Cabin Interior
| 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 | 292 to 310 cubic ft |
Cabin Features
- Triple-glazed windows: Enhanced soundproofing
- Belted potty with privacy doors: Aft lavatory
- 63-67 cu ft baggage (1,450 lbs): 850 lb nose + 600 lb aft
- No APU: Ground cooling via cart or right engine, or optional vapor-cycle A/C
- Optional vapor-cycle A/C: Functions ground to 18,000 ft
- "Flood" cooling system standard: Ground to 10,000 ft
- Seven passenger seats and aft enclosed lavatory: Typical layout
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | 425 to 430 ktas (495 mph) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 380 ktas |
| Range (NBAA IFR, 4 pax) | 1,960 nm |
| Range (Seats Full) | 1,228 to 1,651 nm |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft |
Runway Performance
| Field Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Balanced Field Length | 3,200 ft |
| Landing Distance | 2,927 ft |
Typical Mission Examples
- New York to Los Angeles (2,140 nm) - achievable with light load
- Chicago to Honolulu - not achievable
- Houston to Boston (1,531 nm) - comfortable
- London to Athens (1,481 nm) - comfortable
Engines
Two Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5D turbofan engines, each producing 3,045 lbf of thrust (6,090 lbf total). The JT15D-5D features:
- New compressor design
- New high-pressure turbines
- One-piece solid machined fan disks
- Reduced fuel consumption vs JT15D-5A
- Reduced weight
Fuel burn: 195 gph at typical cruise.
Avionics
Full Honeywell Primus 1000 glass cockpit:
- Three CRT computer screens: Two primary flight displays (one each pilot) + center multi-function display
- Plus standby flight instruments: Backup capability
- Weather radar: Standard
- Optional upgrades: HF transceiver, AlliedSignal Global Wulfsberg AFIS, AlliedSignal TCAS I/II, GPWS
- Common retrofits: ADS-B Out, terrain/traffic avoidance, GPS upgrades
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (~195 gph) | $1,365 to $1,755 |
| Engine Reserve | $350 |
| Airframe Maintenance | $450 |
| Misc Variable | $250 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$2,415 to $2,805/hr |
Annual operating budget at 450 hours: approximately $2.0 million.
Charter rates: $2,800 to $4,000 per hour.
Pricing
| Year Range | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 1998 to 1999 Ultra (final production) | $2,100,000 to $2,400,000 |
| 1996 to 1997 Ultra | $1,800,000 to $2,200,000 |
| 1994 to 1995 Ultra (early production) | $1,500,000 to $1,900,000 |
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Step-Up From Citation II/V: Same Citation pilot pool, full glass cockpit
- Light Corporate Flight Departments: a major fractional operator' validation through 60+ aircraft
- Charter Operators: 1,450 lb baggage capacity for golf/ski trips
- Operators With High Annual Utilization: 600 to 1,200+ hours/year proven
Less suited if:
- You need single-pilot certification (consider CJ family)
- You require trailing-link landing gear (consider Encore)
- You want modern integrated avionics (G3000/Pro Line 21 Fusion)
- You need transcontinental U.S. range with full payload
Pros and Cons
What the Citation V Ultra Does Well
- 1,960 nm range covers most U.S. domestic missions
- Full Honeywell Primus 1000 glass cockpit
- Largest cabin in straight-wing Citation 560 family at launch
- 1,450 lbs baggage capacity (850 nose + 600 aft) - triple of King Air 350
- Citation parts and service network
- Proven a major fractional operator fleet workhorse
- 45,000 ft service ceiling
Tradeoffs to Understand
- No APU (ground cooling requires cart or engine)
- Stiff-legged landing gear (resolved in Encore with trailing-link)
- Pneumatic deicing boots (Encore upgrades to bleed-air)
- Two-pilot operation required
- 195 gph fuel burn
- Older Primus 1000 vs current G3000
Frequently Asked Questions
How far can a Citation V Ultra fly?
The Citation V Ultra has a maximum NBAA IFR range of approximately 1,960 nautical miles with four passengers, with seats-full range of approximately 1,228 to 1,651 nm.
How is the Ultra different from the Citation V?
The Ultra (1994) added JT15D-5D engines (3,045 lbf vs 2,900 lbf on the V), full Honeywell Primus 1000 glass cockpit (both pilots vs captain's side only on V), and refined cabin finishes. The airframe and basic cabin dimensions are similar.
How many Citation V Ultras were built?
A total of 279 Citation V Ultras were delivered during the 1994 to 1999 production run.
What is the Ultra's military designation?
The Citation V Ultra is designated UC-35A as a U.S. Army and Air Force executive transport, UC-35C as a U.S. Marine Corps transport, and OT-47B as a DoD drug interdiction reconnaissance variant (five aircraft).
Is the Citation V Ultra single-pilot certified?
The Citation V Ultra is typically operated with two pilots.
Why was the Ultra named "Best Business Jet"?
Flying Magazine awarded the 1994 "Best Business Jet" designation based on the Ultra's combination of cabin size, range, performance, glass cockpit modernization, and value pricing.
How big is the Citation V Ultra cabin?
The Citation V Ultra cabin is 17.4 ft long, 58 inches wide, and 58 inches high, with 292-310 cubic feet of cabin volume.
The Bottom Line
The Cessna Citation V Ultra is the platform that defined a major fractional operator' early fractional fleet success and remains one of the strongest values in the legacy straight-wing Citation family. At current pre-owned pricing of $1.5 to $2.4 million, the Ultra delivers genuine 1,960 nm range, full glass cockpit, and proven 8-passenger capability at a fraction of modern light jet acquisition cost. The tradeoffs (no APU, stiff landing gear, pneumatic deicing) are manageable for operators willing to accept 1990s technology in exchange for compelling acquisition economics.
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 Ultra market intelligence, pre-buy diligence on engine programs, and acquisition advisory.
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Cessna Citation V Ultra (Model 560 Ultra) Services from Quantum Jets
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Related Aircraft Guides:
- Citation V: Predecessor Variant (1989-1994)
- Citation Encore: Successor with Trailing-Link Landing Gear (2001-2007)
- Citation Encore+: Final Citation 560 with FADEC and Pro Line 21
- Citation Excel: Stand-Up Cabin Sibling
Production of the Citation V Ultra ended in 1999. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Specifications accurate as of 2026.