Cessna Aircraft Citation Bravo

Cessna Citation Bravo: A Reliable Leader Among Light Business Jets

About the Model

The Cessna Citation Bravo (Model 550) is a light business jet developed and manufactured by the American company Cessna Aircraft Company (now part of Textron Aviation). The model represents an improved version of the Citation II, which first took flight in 1991 and was officially put into service in 1997. Production of the Citation Bravo continued until 2006, when it was succeeded by more modern models in the Citation family.

The Citation Bravo was the result of evolutionary development of the popular Citation II line and earned a reputation as an exceptionally reliable, economical, and easy-to-operate business jet. This aircraft was ideally suited for corporate use, charter operations, and owner-pilots, thanks to its versatility and impressive value proposition.

Key Facts

Production Data:

• Production years: 1997-2006
• Number of aircraft produced: 337 units
• Base cost at the end of production: approximately $6.4 million USD

Technical Specifications:

• Length: 47.2 ft (14.39 m)
• Wingspan: 52.2 ft (15.90 m)
• Height: 15.0 ft (4.57 m)
• Empty weight: 8,500 lbs (3,856 kg)
• Maximum takeoff weight: 15,100 lbs (6,849 kg)
• Engines: two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW530A turbofans, 2,900 lbs (12.9 kN) thrust each
• Maximum cruise speed: 405 knots (748 km/h)
• Range: 1,470 nm (2,722 km)
• Service ceiling: 45,000 ft (13,716 m)
• Rate of climb: 3,180 ft/min (969 m/min)

Cabin Dimensions:

• Length: 15.6 ft (4.75 m)
• Width: 4.8 ft (1.47 m)
• Height: 4.8 ft (1.45 m)
• Cabin volume: 300 cu ft (8.5 cu m)
• Standard configuration: 6-7 passengers
• Maximum passenger capacity: 11 people

Operational Characteristics:

• Crew: 1-2 pilots
• Minimum runway length: 3,820 ft (1,164 m)
• Fuel consumption: approximately 230 gallons (870 liters) per hour
• Capable of operating from high-altitude airports

Features and Innovations

Improved Engines

A key difference between the Citation Bravo and its predecessor, the Citation II, was the installation of new Pratt & Whitney Canada PW530A engines, which provided improved fuel efficiency, reduced noise levels, and better performance at higher altitudes. These engines were equipped with a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system, significantly simplifying pilot workload.

Modern Avionics

The Citation Bravo was equipped with advanced (for its time) Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics, including integrated digital displays, color weather radar, radio altimeter, Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS), and an optional Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS). This system significantly enhanced flight safety and reduced pilot workload.

Enhanced Cabin

The Bravo's interior received significant improvements compared to the Citation II, including more ergonomic seats, improved sound insulation, and more contemporary finishes. The standard configuration featured a club seating arrangement of four chairs in the main cabin area, with an additional side-facing couch or seats in the forward section of the cabin.

Operational Efficiency

One of the Citation Bravo's main advantages was its ability to operate from short (from 3,820 ft/1,164 m) runways, providing access to thousands of smaller airports inaccessible to larger business jets. Additionally, the aircraft could be operated by a single pilot (with appropriate certification), significantly reducing operating costs for owners.

Reliability and Maintenance

The Citation Bravo inherited its predecessors' reputation for exceptional reliability with high dispatch reliability rates. The simplicity of design and accessibility for maintenance made this model a popular choice for small companies and charter operators. The intervals between scheduled maintenance were 150 flight hours, which was an impressive figure for its time.

Comparison with Competitors and Other Citation Models

Compared to Beechcraft Hawker 400XP

The Hawker 400XP (originally Beechjet 400) was one of the main competitors to the Citation Bravo in the light business jet category:

• Cabin: The Hawker 400XP had a wider cabin (5.5 ft/1.68 m vs. 4.8 ft/1.47 m for the Bravo)
• Speed: The Hawker 400XP was slightly faster with a maximum cruise speed of 424 knots (785 km/h)
• Range: The Citation Bravo provided greater range (1,470 nm/2,722 km vs. 1,296 nm/2,400 km)
• Economy: The Citation Bravo was more economical with fuel consumption 10-15% lower
• Operating costs: The Citation Bravo had an advantage in overall operating costs

Compared to Learjet 31A

The Learjet 31A, manufactured by Bombardier, was another strong competitor in the light business jet segment:

• Performance: The Learjet 31A was significantly faster (cruise speed up to 460 knots/852 km/h) and had a better climb rate
• Ceiling: The Learjet 31A could fly higher (ceiling of 51,000 ft/15,545 m vs. 45,000 ft/13,716 m)
• Comfort: The Citation Bravo offered a more spacious and comfortable cabin
• Economy: The Citation Bravo was more economical in terms of fuel consumption
• Stability: The Citation Bravo provided a smoother ride in turbulence

Compared to Citation CJ3

The Citation CJ3, a later model from Cessna in the CitationJet family, represented the next generation of light business jets:

• Technology: The CJ3 was equipped with more modern avionics (Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21)
• Range: The CJ3 had an advantage in range (1,658 nm/3,070 km vs. 1,470 nm/2,722 km)
• Speed: The CJ3 was slightly faster with a maximum cruise speed of 416 knots (770 km/h)
• Cabin: The CJ3 had a somewhat longer but narrower cabin
• Reliability: Both models demonstrated high reliability and ease of operation

Compared to Citation II (predecessor)

The Citation Bravo represented an improved version of the Citation II:

• Engines: The Bravo received more modern and economical Pratt & Whitney Canada PW530A engines instead of the Pratt & Whitney JT15D-4
• Avionics: The Bravo was equipped with more modern digital Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics
• Range: The Bravo had increased range thanks to more efficient engines
• Comfort: The Bravo offered an improved cabin interior and better sound insulation
• Pilot workload: The Bravo had significant improvements in cockpit ergonomics

Legacy and Relevance Today

Although production of the Citation Bravo ceased in 2006, many of these aircraft continue to operate successfully worldwide, testifying to their exceptional durability and reliability. On the secondary market, the Citation Bravo remains a popular choice for medium-sized companies, charter operators, and private owners seeking an economical and reliable business jet.

The modern Citation CJ3+ and CJ4 can be considered spiritual successors to the Citation Bravo, offering a similar design philosophy with an emphasis on reliability, ease of operation, and economy, but with modern technologies and improved characteristics.

The Citation Bravo left an important mark in the history of business aviation, demonstrating that a business jet can be simultaneously affordable, reliable, and economical, making the advantages of private aviation accessible to a wider range of users.

Contact JETVIP today to discuss your charter or acquisition needs for the Cessna Citation Bravo. Their experienced team can provide you with detailed information on available aircraft and assist you throughout the process.