Citation II

Manufactured by Cessna, the Citation II is a light jet designed with corporate business person in mind. The 550 model of the Citation II was developed directly from the Cessna Citation I in order to meet the need for a larger jet with a higher seating capacity. As a result, the Citation II has the same design philosophy as the Citation I, but the larger fuselage allowed for the jet to seat up to 10 passengers. The Citation II also has better fuel efficiency, a more powerful engine, higher baggage capacity, and a longer range than the Citation I.

The Cessna Citation II had its maiden flight in January of 1977 and was certified for commercial operation the following year. The conditions of the certification stipulate that the Citation II always be operated by two pilots. Soon after its debut, the Citation II proved to be very popular. In fact, the U.S. Customs & Border Protection bought ten of these jets.

Over the years several variations of the Cessna Citation II have been developed and manufactured. The Citation II/SP is also a direct descendant of the Citation I/SP which was altered to meet certification requirements for single pilot operations and also in order to be a turboprop market competitor. Several Citation T-47 models were bought and used by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, who renamed it the Model 552 T-47A. Modifications to this model include the addition of several radar consoles, shortened wings, and JT15D5 engines. This model of the Citation II was mainly used to train F-14 Tomcat Radar Intercept Officers, A-6 Intruder Bombardier and Navigators, and even F/A-18D Hornet Weapon Systems Officers. However, the Citation S/II and the Citation Bravo models were designed and geared once again towards the traveling business person. The S/II increased the Citation’s seating capacity to 11, while the Bravo model implemented newer technology. A trailing link configuration of landing gear was used to ensure smoother riding, the cockpit was upgraded to a Honeywell Primus 1000, and the entire jet is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada engine.

The Cessna Citation II is a very comfortable and efficient way to travel. Catering to and fulfilling the needs of professionals on the go is one of the things a Citation II does best. With over 34 years of experience in the skies, a Cessna Citation II is a great choice of charter jet.