The one-of-a-kind Cessna Citation II is a light corporate jet developed from the Citation I. The Citation II is the Cessna’s best-selling private jet up to the present time- selling 1,000 jets in its first four years on the light business jet market, and it was produced for eighteen years.
The previous success of the Citation I drove Cessna to develop a stretched version with a larger capacity. In September 1976, the Citation II was announced to the public. At the time of its release, everyone else in the aviation industry was struggling to surpass each other by building the heaviest, most complex, hard-to-fly jet. The Cessna Citation II withstood all trends with its uncomplicated systems and manufacturing methods, reduced operating, and purchase costs. It conducted its maiden flight on January 31, 1977, and received its FAA type certification for two-pilot operation in March 1978. The II/SP is the single pilot variant. There were 688 aircraft delivered in total.
In October 1983, the Citation S/II (Model S550) was introduced. It took its first flight on February 14, 1984, prior to its certification in July. It is equipped with a supercritical airfoil developed for the Citation III and powered by JT15D4B turbofan engines. The S/II replaced the II in production from 1984, but the II resumed to the line from late 1985, and both of these versions were produced up to the time of the introduction of the Bravo. There were 160 S/IIs delivered in total.
On April 25, 1995, the Citation Bravo version took its maiden flight. In August 1996, it was awarded its type certificate, and in February 1997, it was first delivered. Production of Citation Bravo lasted until 2006, with a total of 336 aircraft delivered.
Citation II Design
The Citation II (Model 550) has an exterior length of 14.5 meters, a height of 4.5 meters, and a fuselage diameter of 1.6 meters. It has a wheelbase of 5.6 meters.
The aircraft has outstanding handling capabilities, mainly because of its straight wing design. The straight wing configuration makes the Citation II less prone to Dutch rolls caused by a strong rush of wind, and also increases the ratio of lift per increment of angle-of-attack, which leads to easy takeoffs and landings. It has a wingspan of 15.9 meters and a wing area of 31.8 square meters.
The Cessna Citation II is certified under Federal Aviation Regulations part 25 airworthiness standards, which is mandatory for big airliners.
Citation II Cabin and Cockpit
The Citation II has a cabin length of 4.8 meters, a width of 1.49 meters, and a height of 1.46 meters. It can accommodate a maximum seating capacity of ten passengers.
The aircraft is most recommended for its simple design. This quality is perfectly appreciated in the cockpit, which Business and Commercial Aviation magazine termed the “best human factored cockpit in general aviation” upon the release of the aircraft.
The cockpit of the Citation II features 340 degrees visibility and uncomplicated controls for crucial systems such as fuel and de-icing. The cockpit can be designed to be flown by a single pilot, lessening operational costs and providing more flexibility in flight planning.
Citation II Engine and Performance
Two Pratt and Whitney JT15D-4B engines power the Citation II. JT15D is a turbofan engine with an axial flow low-pressure, centrifugal flow high-pressure compressor, and a reverse-flow annular combustor. Each engine produces 2,500 pounds of thrust.
The aircraft’s maximum operating altitude is 43,000 feet. It has a travel range of 1,998 with maximum fuel, a climb rate of 3,040 feet per minute, and a cruise speed of 403 knots at 35,000 feet. It has a takeoff distance of 1,050 meters and a landing distance of 745 meters.
The maximum take-off weight is 6600 kg while the maximum landing weight is 6,100 kg. It has a maximum payload of 1,400 kg and a fuel capacity of 862 US gal.
Citation II Variants
The Citation II Model 550 is the initial variant and a larger stretched development of the Model 500. It was launched to the public in 1983.
The T-47A Model 552 is the military version of the aircraft. The United States Navy acquired 15 aircraft designated as radar system trainers.
The Citation II/SP Model 551 is the single-pilot version.
The Citation S/II Model S550 is equipped with several enhancements, primarily a redesigned and restrengthened wing.
The Citation Bravo features new PW530A turbofan engines, Honeywell Primus EFIS avionics, redesigned Citation Ultra interior, and a trailing-link main undercarriage.
