Cessna Citation Bravo
From 1997 until its production came to an end in 2006, the Cessna Citation Bravo was one of the most popular and successful light business jets available on the market. Known for its reliability, more than 300 of this aircraft, an upgrade of the Citation II, are still in operation. The Bravo features a comfortable interior, with a cabin length of 4.8m. In spite of not being the most recent aircraft, the Bravo comfortably seats up to 7 passengers in a Club 4 arrangement and 3 individual seats. In fact, many of the Bravos in operation today have been refurbished since rolling off the production line, optimising their level of comfort. This aircraft also provides a good service, easily connecting major European cities in good time, as well as being certified for steep approach, giving it access to airports such as London City and Lugano. Overall, although this light jet may not be the most recent of the Cessna range, it is still capable of providing an excellent short-haul flight service.
Light Jet
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cessna |
| Category | Light Jet |
| Range* | 2769 km 1495 NM |
| Cruise speed | 739 km/h 399 kts |
| Seats** | 7 |
| Suitcases | 4 |
* with IFR reserves
** in standard configuration
Aircraft Pictures
History
The Cessna Citation Bravo emerged as a significant upgrade to the Citation S/II series, combining a stretched fuselage with new avionics and more powerful engines. The aircraft made its first flight on April 25, 1995, representing Cessna's response to market demand for improved performance in the mid-size category.
The Bravo featured Pratt & Whitney Canada PW530A turbofans, providing substantially more power than previous Citation II variants. The aircraft received certification in August 1996, with first customer deliveries beginning in February 1997.
Key improvements included upgraded avionics systems and enhanced performance capabilities that made the aircraft suitable for a broader range of missions. The Bravo maintained the Citation family's reputation for single-pilot certification while offering increased payload and range flexibility.
Production continued for nearly a decade, with 337 aircraft manufactured before the last Citation Bravo rolled off the production line in late 2006. The aircraft served as an important bridge between the earlier Citation II series and more modern Citation variants, helping maintain Cessna's leadership in the business jet market.
FAQ
How does the Citation Bravo compare to the Phenom 300?
The Embraer Phenom 300 is a newer light jet with an NBAA IFR range of 3,723 km (2,010 nm) compared to the Citation Bravo’s 2,769 km (1,495 nm). It also cruises faster and has a more modern cabin design. The Citation Bravo, however, is often chosen for its proven reliability, competitive charter pricing, and short-field performance that allows access to smaller regional airports.
What is the range of the Citation Bravo on charter flights?
The Citation Bravo has an NBAA IFR range of 2,769 km (1,495 nm), though the actual distance depends on payload, weather conditions, routing, and altitude. Under favourable circumstances, this permits nonstop routes such as Geneva to Madrid, London to Athens, or Paris to Stockholm.
What airports can the Citation Bravo access?
The Citation Bravo is equipped for short-field performance and is certified for steep-approach operations. This enables it to land at airports with limited runway length or demanding approach profiles, such as London City in the UK. These capabilities provide direct access to regional centres and leisure destinations that are often unavailable to larger aircraft.
Where does the Citation Bravo fit within the Citation family?
The Citation Bravo was developed as an upgrade to the Citation II and produced between 1996 and 2006. Within the Citation line, it sits between the earlier straight-jet designs and the more modern CJ series. What makes it distinctive is the combination of improved Pratt & Whitney PW530A engines, advanced Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics, and trailing-link landing gear, which gave smoother landings and access to shorter runways. It bridged the gap between classic Cessna light jets and the new-generation CJs that replaced it.
