corporate jet
A business jet, private jet, or bizjet is a jet aircraft designed for transporting small groups of people, typically business executives and high-ranking coworker, associates. Business jets are generally designed for faster air travel and more ...
s built by
Cessna
Cessna () is an American brand of general aviation aircraft owned by Textron Aviation since 2014, headquartered in Wichita, Kansas. Originally, it was a brand of the Cessna Aircraft Company, an American general aviation aircraft manufactu ...
as part of the
Citation family
The Cessna Citation is a family of business jets manufactured by Cessna that entered service in 1972. In the fifty years following the type's first flight in 1969, more than 7,500 Citations were delivered, forming the largest business jet flee ...
.
Stretched from the Citation I, the Model 550 was announced in September 1976, first flew on January 31, 1977, and was certified in March 1978.
The II/SP is a single pilot version, the improved S/II first flew on February 14, 1984 and the Citation Bravo, a stretched S/II with new avionics and more powerful P&WC PW530A turbofans, first flew on April 25, 1995. The
United States Navy
The United States Navy (USN) is the naval warfare, maritime military branch, service branch of the United States Department of Defense. It is the world's most powerful navy with the largest Displacement (ship), displacement, at 4.5 millio ...
adopted a version of the S/II as the T-47A.
Production ceased in 2006 after of all variants were delivered.
Design and development
The Citation II (Model 550) was developed to provide the same docile low-speed handling and good short-field performance as the preceding Citation I while addressing a primary criticism of that aircraft — its relatively slow cruise speed of around at altitude. The II stretches the Citation I fuselage by 1.14m (3 ft 9in), increasing
seating capacity
Seating capacity is the number of people who can be seated in a specific space, in terms of both the physical space available and limitations set by law. Seating capacity can be used in the description of anything ranging from an automobile that ...
to ten (two pilots and eight passengers) and gross weight to .
Wingspan was increased by , fuel capacity was increased from to , and more powerful, Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-4 engines were installed for a higher cruise speed of and a longer range of . The cabin interior was also redesigned to increase headroom by .
The stretched Citation was announced in September 1976, it first flew on January 31, 1977, and FAA certification was awarded in March 1978. The II/SP (Model 551) is the single pilot version,
type certificate
A type certificate signifies the airworthiness of a particular category of aircraft, according to its manufacturing design (''type design''). Certification confirms that the aircraft of a new type intended for serial production is in compliance w ...
d to slightly less stringent
FAR Part 23
The Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) are rules prescribed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) governing all aviation activities in the United States. The FARs comprise Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). A wide var ...
standards, with a slightly reduced
maximum takeoff weight
The maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) or maximum gross takeoff weight (MGTOW) or maximum takeoff mass (MTOM) of an aircraft, also known as the maximum structural takeoff weight or maximum structural takeoff mass, is the maximum weight at which the p ...
(MTOW) at and minor changes in cockpit equipment. As the II and II/SP are otherwise largely similar, the reduction in MTOW of the II/SP often mandates operating with a reduced fuel load, shortening the aircraft's loaded range compared to the standard II. Both the II and II/SP require special training to be operated by a single pilot. A total of 688 II and II/SP aircraft were delivered.
Citation S/II
The improved Citation S/II (Model S550) was announced in October 1983 and first flew on February 14, 1984, before certification in July.
It gained a
supercritical airfoil
A supercritical airfoil (supercritical aerofoil in British English) is an airfoil designed primarily to delay the onset of wave drag in the transonic speed range.
Supercritical airfoils are characterized by their flattened upper surface, highly ...
with swept wing roots,
aileron
An aileron (French for "little wing" or "fin") is a hinged flight control surface usually forming part of the trailing edge of each wing of a fixed-wing aircraft. Ailerons are used in pairs to control the aircraft in roll (or movement aroun ...
and
flap
Flap may refer to:
Arts, entertainment, and media
* ''Flap'' (film), a 1970 American film
* Flap, a boss character in the arcade game '' Gaiapolis''
* Flap, a minor character in the film '' Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland''
Biology and h ...
gap seals, and a fluid deicing system instead of the pneumatic deicing boots used on earlier Citations.
To further reduce drag, the fuselage and engine
nacelle
A nacelle ( ) is a streamlined container for aircraft parts such as Aircraft engine, engines, fuel or equipment. When attached entirely outside the airframe, it is sometimes called a pod, in which case it is attached with a Hardpoint#Pylon, pylo ...
pylons were redesigned, and nacelle fairings were added. Fuel capacity was increased by . The result of the improvements was a cruise speed of —exceeding 400 kn, felt to be an important marketing benchmark by Cessna—and a range of with a 45-minute
fuel reserve
In motorcycles and cars, the ''fuel reserve'' setting indicates that the level of fuel in the tank is low. In cars and most modern motorcycles this quantity (the reserve) is automatically available. Older motorcycles have a manual fuel tap or pet ...
.
The improved JT15D-4B engines had higher temperature-rated components, allowing more thrust at higher altitudes.
The S/II replaced the II from 1984, but some potential buyers objected to the sharp price increase from for the II to $3.3M for the S/II, prompting Cessna to reintroduce the II in late 1985; both were built until the Bravo was introduced. Deliveries of the S/II amounted to 160, including fifteen T-47A aircraft purchased by the
U.S. Navy
The United States Navy (USN) is the maritime service branch of the United States Department of Defense. It is the world's most powerful navy with the largest displacement, at 4.5 million tons in 2021. It has the world's largest aircraft ...
. The S/II's higher performance coupled with its relatively low production total led to substantially higher demand on the used aircraft market compared to the standard II and II/SP.
Government variants
The
US Customs & Border Protection
United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the largest federal law enforcement agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security. It is the country's primary border control organization, charged with regulating and facilita ...
purchased ten Citation IIs configured with
fire control radar
A fire-control radar (FCR) is a radar that is designed specifically to provide information (mainly target azimuth, elevation, range and range rate) to a fire-control system in order to direct weapons such that they hit a target. They are sometim ...
(initially the
F-16
The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is an American single-engine supersonic multirole fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force (USAF). Designed as an air superiority day fighter, it e ...
's
AN/APG-66
The AN/APG-66 radar is an X-band solid state medium range (up to ) pulse-Doppler planar array radar originally designed by the Westinghouse Electric Corporation (now Northrop Grumman) for use in early generations of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. L ...
(V), later the
Selex ES
Selex ES was a subsidiary of Finmeccanica, active in the electronics and information technology business, based in Italy and the UK, and formed in January 2013, following Finmeccanica's decision to combine its existing SELEX Elsag and SELEX ...
Vixen 500E system) and the WF-360TL imaging system. These aircraft have been used effectively in Panama, Honduras, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Mexico and Aruba. The similar OT-47B aircraft are based on the
Cessna Citation V
The Cessna Citation V (company designation Model 560) is a business jet built by Cessna that was in production from 1989 until 2011. During that time, such craft were made. The first Model 560 prototype, a stretched version of the Citation S/II ...
airframe.
The T-47A was a modified version of the Citation S/II (Model 552) for the U.S. Navy, featuring a wingspan reduction and hydraulically boosted
aileron
An aileron (French for "little wing" or "fin") is a hinged flight control surface usually forming part of the trailing edge of each wing of a fixed-wing aircraft. Ailerons are used in pairs to control the aircraft in roll (or movement aroun ...
s for improved maneuverability, thrust JT15D-5 engines, a cockpit roof window for better pilot visibility during hard maneuvering, strengthened windshields for protection against
bird strike
A bird strike (sometimes called birdstrike, bird ingestion (for an engine), bird hit, or bird aircraft strike hazard (BASH)) is a collision between an airborne animal (usually a bird or bat) and a moving vehicle (usually an aircraft). The term ...
s during high-speed low-altitude sorties, multiple radar consoles, and the AN/APQ-167 radar system. Intended to replace the North American T-39D as a radar systems
trainer aircraft
A trainer is a class of aircraft designed specifically to facilitate flight training of pilots and aircrews. The use of a dedicated trainer aircraft with additional safety features—such as tandem flight controls, forgiving flight characteristic ...
, fifteen aircraft were purchased in 1984 to train naval radar intercept officers.
All T-47A aircraft were operated with civil
aircraft registration
An aircraft registration is a code unique to a single aircraft, required by international convention to be marked on the exterior of every civil aircraft. The registration indicates the aircraft's country of registration, and functions much li ...
numbers by Training Air Squadron
VT-86
Training Squadron EIGHT SIX (VT-86), also known as the "Sabrehawks," is a United States Navy advanced jet training squadron based at the Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. Training Squadron 86 is a tenant command of Training Air Wing 6. They ...
based at
Naval Air Station Pensacola
Naval Air Station Pensacola or NAS Pensacola (formerly NAS/KNAS until changed circa 1970 to allow Nassau International Airport, now Lynden Pindling International Airport, to have IATA code NAS), "The Cradle of Naval Aviation", is a United Sta ...
, Florida. On July 20, 1993, ten of the fifteen aircraft were destroyed when a roofing contractor accidentally set fire to a hangar at
Forbes Field
Forbes Field was a baseball park in the Oakland (Pittsburgh), Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from 1909 to June 28, 1970. It was the third home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, the city's Major League Baseball (MLB) team, and the fir ...
where the aircraft were being stored by Cessna. The five survivors were subsequently transferred to Cessna and other civil owners.
Citation Bravo
The Citation Bravo first flew on April 25, 1995, was granted certification in August 1996, and was first delivered in February 1997.
It features new P&WC PW530A turbofans, modern
Honeywell Primus
Honeywell Primus is a range of Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) glass cockpits manufactured by Honeywell Aerospace.
Each system is composed of multiple display units used as primary flight display and multi-function display.
Primus ...
trailing link
A trailing-arm suspension, also referred to as trailing-link, is a form of vehicle suspension. In a motor vehicle it places one or more horizontal arms (or "links") perpendicular to and forward of the axle on the chassis or unibody, which are c ...
main undercarriage.
Production of the Bravo ceased in late 2006 after 336 had been delivered.
Its more efficient PW530A generates 15% more thrust at takeoff and 23% more at altitude.
It burns of fuel in the first hour, dropping to the second hour cruising at at FL410-430 and then the third hour at and FL450.
The engine overhaul every 4,000 hours cost $1 million or $275 at
power by the Hour
Aircraft maintenance is the performance of tasks required to ensure the continuing airworthiness of an aircraft or aircraft part, including overhaul, inspection, replacement, defect rectification, and the embodiment of modifications, compliance ...
.
In 2018, early 1997 models starts at $800,000, up to $1.7 million for 2006 planes. The Bravo was replaced by the better-but-more-expensive Citation CJ3.
The competing Beechjet 400A is roomier and faster but needs more fuel and more runway, while the compact
Learjet 31
The Learjet 31 is an American built twin-engined, high speed business jet. Manufactured by Learjet, a subsidiary of Bombardier Aerospace, as the successor to the Learjet 29, it has a capacity of eight passengers and two crew.
Design and develo ...
A is faster but has less range. The faster and more expensive Citation V Ultra has a longer cabin but consumes more fuel.
Upgrades
By December 2006, Clifford Development in Ohio had launched a program to re-engine Citation IIs with
Williams FJ44
The Williams FJ44 is a family of small, two-spool, turbofan engines produced by Williams International for the light business jet market. Until the recent boom in the very light jet market, the FJ44 was one of the smallest turbofans availabl ...
-3 engines for $1.9 million (~$ in ).
Clifford expected a
STC STC may refer to:
Education
* Saint Theresa's College (disambiguation), any of several institutions
* St. Thomas' College, Matale, Sri Lanka
* S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka
* Scott Theological College, Kenya
* Sha Tin College, H ...
within 12 months, 21% faster long-range cruise, 29% longer range, 34% better single-engine climb rate and 20% better fuel efficiency.
By May 2007, Sierra Industries in Texas was also developing a similar modification, as 900 Citations qualify for it, directly as a broker and MRO provider, while Clifford should license its STC.
In September 2008, the FAA granted a STC to Sierra Industries.
The Super S-II made its first flight on September 26.
The conversion cost $1.9 million in 2009, resulting in a $3.5-4.6 million value for a converted Citation II.
Ceiling is increased from FL 410 to FL 430, reached directly in 25 min at max takeoff weight with a thrust increased from each.
Dual-channel
FADEC
A full authority digital engine (or electronics) control (FADEC) is a system consisting of a digital computer, called an "electronic engine controller" (EEC) or " engine control unit" (ECU), and its related accessories that control all aspects of a ...
allows a much lower residual thrust, eliminating the need for
thrust reverser
Thrust reversal, also called reverse thrust, is the temporary diversion of an aircraft engine's thrust for it to act against the forward travel of the aircraft, providing deceleration. Thrust reverser systems are featured on many jet aircraft to ...
s.
Max fuel
payload
Payload is the object or the entity that is being carried by an aircraft or launch vehicle. Sometimes payload also refers to the carrying capacity of an aircraft or launch vehicle, usually measured in terms of weight. Depending on the nature of t ...
is bumped from for the Citation II, and the S-II can carry more than the initial .
Cruise speeds are faster by for the 550, and by for the Citation S-II.
The converted 550 is 25% more fuel efficient than the JT15D-powered original at the same speed, and burns of fuel per hour at .
The 550 Range is improved by , and by for the S550.
The re-engined S550 can reach at FL270.
Clifford and its partner Stevens Aviation could also update the flight deck with Collins ProLine 21 avionics and refurbish the cabin.
Clifford was touting a 14% faster optimum cruise speed, and a 32% lower fuel burn for the S550.
Sierra was announcing a
IFR
In aviation, instrument flight rules (IFR) is one of two sets of regulations governing all aspects of civil aviation aircraft operations; the other is visual flight rules (VFR).
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) ''Instrument Fly ...
/ VFR range for the re-engined Super II; or a IFR/VFR range for the re-engined Super S-II.
By June 2012, Sierra Industries had re-engined 59 various Citations with FJ44s, among avionics retrofit and airframe modifications.
Variants
* (Model 550), stretched development of the Model 500 with increased wingspan, fuel capacity and gross weight, first produced in 1978. Initially replaced by the S/II in production, but was brought back and produced side by side with the S/II until the Bravo was introduced.The Cessna Citation II & Bravo from Airliners.net /ref>Citation II info from Aviation Safety Network /ref>
*Citation II/SP (Model 551), single-pilot version of Model 550 with reduced gross weight.Citation II/SP info from Aviation Safety Network /ref>
* (Model S550), development of Model 550 introduced in 1984 featuring a supercritical wing with swept wing roots, increased fuel capacity, and various minor improvements. Initially replaced the II in production.Citation S550 info from Aviation Safety Network /ref>
*T-47A (Model 552), U.S. Navy radar systems trainer version of S/II with a shortened wingspan, strengthened windshields, cockpit roof windows, more powerful JT15D-5 engines, and military equipment.
*Citation Bravo (Model 550 Bravo), updated S/II with new PW530A engines, landing gear and Primus 1000 avionics."Cessna Citation Bravo Light Business Jet Cessna Citation Bravo Light Business Jet, USA", ''Aerospace-Technology.com /ref>Citation Bravo info from Aviation Safety Network /ref> The last Citation Bravo rolled off the production line in late 2006, ending a nearly 10-year production run of 337 aircraft.Cessna Press Releas Recent Milestones for Cessna’s Citation Business Jet Programs 17 July 2006
Operators
Military operators
Civilian operators
;
*Tyrol Air Ambulance
;
*
;
*
Transport Canada
Transport Canada () is the Ministry (government department), department within the Government of Canada responsible for developing regulations, Policy, policies and Public services, services of road, rail, marine and air Transport in Canada, tra ...
Airline operator
The Citation was also operated by at least one airline in scheduled passenger service, Enterprise Airlines in the U.S., from the late 1980s to 1990.
Jerez
Jerez de la Frontera () or simply Jerez, also cited in old English-language sources as , is a city and municipality in the province of Cádiz in the autonomous community of Andalusia, Spain. Located in southwestern Iberia, it lies on the Campi� ...
, Spain, did not land at its intended destination,
Cologne
Cologne ( ; ; ) is the largest city of the States of Germany, German state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the List of cities in Germany by population, fourth-most populous city of Germany with nearly 1.1 million inhabitants in the city pr ...
, Germany, but instead kept flying across Germany and the
Baltic Sea
The Baltic Sea is an arm of the Atlantic Ocean that is enclosed by the countries of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Sweden, and the North European Plain, North and Central European Plain regions. It is the ...
where it eventually ran out of fuel and crashed in the sea off
Ventspils
Ventspils () is a state city in northwestern Latvia in the historical Courland region of Latvia, and is the sixth largest city in the country.
At the beginning of 2020, Ventspils had a population of 33,906. It is situated on the Venta River and ...
, Latvia. The pilot had reported problems with air conditioning and pressurization early in the flight but later stopped responding to communications. A possible cause of the crash is that loss of cabin pressure rendered everyone on board unconscious.
*On May 22, 2025, a 1985 Cessna 551 heading from
Teterboro Airport
Teterboro Airport is a general aviation relief airport situated in the boroughs of Teterboro, Moonachie, and Hasbrouck Heights in Bergen County, New Jersey.Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in
San Diego
San Diego ( , ) is a city on the Pacific coast of Southern California, adjacent to the Mexico–United States border. With a population of over 1.4 million, it is the List of United States cities by population, eighth-most populous city in t ...
, California crashed into military housing in the Murphy Canyon neighbourhood of San Diego, causing extensive fires and multiple casualties.
Specifications (Cessna S550 Citation S/II)
See also
References
* Hoyle, Craig. "World Air Forces Directory". ''
Flight International
''Flight International'', formerly ''Flight'', is a monthly magazine focused on aerospace. Published in the United Kingdom and founded in 1909 as "A Journal devoted to the Interests, Practice, and Progress of Aerial Locomotion and Transport", i ...
'', Vol. 182, No. 5370, 11–17 December 2012. pp. 40–64. .
* Hoyle, Craig. "World Air Forces Directory". ''Flight International'', Vol. 188, No. 5517, 8–14 December 2015. pp. 26–53. .
* Hoyle, Craig, Farfad, Antoine. "World Air Forces Directory". ''Flight International'', Vol. 196, No. 5715, 10–16 December 2019. pp. 26–54. .
* Lambert, Mark. ''Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1993–94''. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Data Division, 1993. .
* .