Light Jet - Legacy Production
Cessna Citation II (Model 550): Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Cessna Aircraft Company
Cessna Citation II (Model 550): Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Cessna Citation II (Model 550), produced from 1978 to 2006, is the stretched successor to the original Citation 500/I that more than doubled the platform's commercial success. Powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-4 turbofans producing 2,500 lbf each, the Citation II delivers 1,159 nautical miles of range, 385 ktas (Mach 0.71) maximum cruise, and a 43,000 ft service ceiling typically operated with two pilots (the Citation II/SP variant adds single-pilot certification). A combined total of 1,184 Citation II family aircraft were delivered before production ended in 2006. Pre-owned market today: $500,000 to $1.5 million depending on year and modifications.
For operators wanting a proven eight-passenger twin-jet at the lowest entry cost in the Citation family, the Citation II remains the value benchmark.
Citation II Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Light Jet - Legacy Production |
| Production Status | Discontinued 2006 |
| Announced | September 1976 |
| First Flight | January 31, 1977 |
| FAA Type Certification | March 1978 |
| Production End | 2006 (Citation II family combined: 1,184 delivered) |
| Citation II/SP Single-Pilot Variant | Available throughout production |
| Crew | 2 pilots (Citation II); 1 pilot (Citation II/SP) |
| Passengers (Standard) | 7 to 8 |
| Passengers (Max) | 10 occupants (2 pilots + 8 passengers) |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR) | 1,159 nm |
| Max Cruise Speed | 385 ktas (Mach 0.71) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 360 ktas |
| Max Operating Altitude | 43,000 ft |
| Engines | 2× Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-4 |
| Thrust per Engine | 2,500 lbf (5,000 lbf total) |
| Fuel Capacity | 742 US gallons (4,964 lbs) |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 13,300 lbs |
| Cabin Length | 15 ft 8 in (3 ft 9 in longer than Citation I) |
| Cabin Width | 4.83 ft (58 in) |
| Cabin Height | 4.83 ft (58 in, 5 inches higher than Citation I) |
| Wingspan | +5.1 ft over Citation I |
| Original Price (1978) | $2,600,000 |
| Pre-Owned Price (2025) | $500,000 to $1,500,000 |
| Pre-Owned (with Williams FJ44 conversion) | $1,500,000 to $2,500,000 |
History and the Citation II Stretch
The Citation II was developed to address the primary criticism of the Citation I: its slow cruise speed (around 350 ktas). Cessna's solution was to stretch the Citation I fuselage by 3 feet 9 inches (1.14 meters), increase wingspan, install more powerful JT15D-4 engines, and add fuel capacity.
Platform timeline:
- September 1976: Citation II announced
- January 31, 1977: First flight
- March 1978: FAA type certification
- February 14, 1984: Improved S/II first flight
- Late 1985: Cessna reintroduces standard II alongside S/II after buyer objections to $3.3M S/II price
- 1994: Citation Bravo announced as Citation II/S-II successor
- 2006: Production of Citation II family ends after 1,184 total units
The Citation II/SP (Model 551) single-pilot variant was available throughout production, opening the platform to owner-operator buyers.
Key Improvements Over Citation I
- 3 ft 9 in fuselage stretch: 10 total occupants (vs 7 on Citation I)
- 5.1 ft wingspan increase: Better range and high-altitude performance
- +198 US gallons fuel capacity: From 544 to 742 gallons
- JT15D-4 engines: 2,500 lbf vs 2,200 lbf on Citation I
- 385 ktas cruise: Up from 348 ktas on Citation I
- 1,159 nm range: Up from 1,328 nm Citation I maximum
- 5-inch cabin headroom increase: More comfortable cabin
- 43,000 ft service ceiling: Higher than Citation I's 41,000 ft
Cabin Interior
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length | 15 ft 8 in |
| Cabin Width | 4.83 ft (58 inches) |
| Cabin Height | 4.83 ft (58 inches) |
The Citation II's redesigned cabin increased headroom by 5 inches over the Citation I, addressing one of the original platform's most common complaints.
Seating Configurations
- Standard 8-Passenger: Forward club with rear forward-facing
- 7-Passenger Executive: With side-facing divan
- Single-Pilot II/SP: Same cabin configurations available
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | 385 ktas (Mach 0.71) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 360 ktas |
| Range (NBAA IFR) | 1,159 nm |
| Service Ceiling | 43,000 ft |
Typical Mission Examples
- Chicago to Atlanta (606 nm)
- Los Angeles to Salt Lake City (581 nm)
- New York to Miami (956 nm)
- London to Geneva (407 nm)
Engines
Two Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-4 turbofan engines, each producing 2,500 lbf of thrust (5,000 lbf total). The JT15D-4 is the more powerful evolution of the JT15D-1 used on the Citation I.
Avionics
Original Citation IIs were delivered with analog instrumentation typical of late-1970s/early-1980s business jets. Many have been retrofit with:
- Garmin GNS 530/430 navigation
- Garmin G600 TXi PFD upgrades
- Collins Pro Line 21 (some modifications)
- ADS-B Out compliance
- WAAS/LPV navigation
Williams FJ44 Re-Engine Programs
A major aftermarket consideration for Citation II buyers: Clifford Development launched a re-engine program in December 2006 converting Citation II/S-II aircraft to Williams FJ44-3 engines (3,000 lbf) for approximately $1.9 million. Benefits:
- 14% faster optimum cruise speed: To 446 ktas at FL270
- 32% lower fuel burn: Major operating economics improvement
- Extended IFR/VFR range: Up to 1,890 nm IFR
- Optional Pro Line 21 avionics: Through Stevens Aviation partnership
By June 2012, Sierra Industries had re-engined 59 various Citations with FJ44s as part of broader retrofit programs.
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour (Stock JT15D-4) |
|---|---|
| Fuel (~150 gph) | $1,050 to $1,350 |
| Engine Reserve | $250 |
| Airframe Maintenance | $350 |
| Misc Variable | $200 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$1,850 to $2,150/hr |
Re-engined Citation IIs with Williams FJ44-3 engines:
- Fuel burn 32% lower than stock
- Total variable cost approximately $1,400 to $1,650/hr
Charter rates: $2,800 to $3,500 per hour.
Pricing
| Year Range | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 1995 to 2006 Citation II (post-restart) | $900,000 to $1,500,000 |
| 1985 to 1994 Citation II | $600,000 to $1,000,000 |
| 1978 to 1984 Citation II (early production) | $500,000 to $800,000 |
| Williams FJ44-3 Re-Engined Citation II | $1,500,000 to $2,500,000 |
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Step-Up From Citation I: Familiar Citation pilot pool, more cabin
- Value-Focused Light Jet Operators: Lowest-cost 8-passenger jet
- Charter Operators With Re-Engined Aircraft: Williams FJ44 conversion economics
- Single-Pilot II/SP Owner-Operators: Among most-attainable single-pilot jets
Less suited if:
- You need modern avionics out of the box
- You require fast cruise speeds (consider modern light jets)
- You don't want engine program planning (3,500 hr TBO)
- You require Garmin G3000 touchscreen platform
Pros and Cons
What the Citation II Does Well
- 8-passenger cabin capability at attainable acquisition cost
- Citation parts and service network supports the type extensively
- Single-pilot II/SP option for owner-operators
- 1,184 produced (massive in-service fleet)
- Williams FJ44 re-engine option transforms the platform
- 43,000 ft service ceiling
Tradeoffs to Understand
- Original JT15D-4 engines expensive to overhaul
- 1,159 nm range modest by modern standards
- Original avionics dated (most retrofitted)
- Cabin smaller than modern light jets
- Two-pilot operation typically (unless II/SP)
Frequently Asked Questions
How far can a Citation II fly?
The Citation II has a maximum NBAA IFR range of approximately 1,159 nautical miles.
How many Citation II aircraft were built?
The Citation II family (Citation II, Citation II/SP, Citation S/II, and Citation Bravo combined) produced 1,184 aircraft between 1978 and 2006.
What is the Citation II/SP?
The Citation II/SP (Model 551) is the single-pilot certified variant of the Citation II, allowing owner-operator use without requiring a second pilot.
Can the Citation II be re-engined with Williams FJ44 engines?
Yes. Clifford Development launched a Williams FJ44-3 re-engine program in December 2006, with conversions costing approximately $1.9 million. Re-engined aircraft show 14% faster cruise, 32% lower fuel burn, and 1,890 nm IFR range.
What replaced the Citation II?
The Citation Bravo (1997-2006) eventually replaced the Citation II family, retaining the basic Citation II airframe but adding Pratt & Whitney PW530A engines, trailing-link main landing gear, and Honeywell Primus 1000 glass cockpit.
What is the T-47A?
The T-47A is the U.S. Navy radar systems trainer variant of the Citation S/II. Fifteen T-47A aircraft were purchased by the U.S. Navy.
The Bottom Line
The Cessna Citation II is one of the most-produced light jets in history (1,184 total Citation II family aircraft) and remains a strong value entry into eight-passenger twin-jet ownership. At current pre-owned pricing of $500K to $1.5 million, the Citation II offers genuine Citation reliability with the option of dramatic performance upgrades via Williams FJ44 engine retrofits. For value-focused operators with realistic mission profiles, the Citation II remains a workhorse worth considering.
Quantum Jets supports the platform across private jet charter, private jet rental, private jet card programs, aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, and aircraft leasing structures.
Talk to a Quantum Jets broker for Citation II market intelligence, pre-buy diligence with attention to engine programs, ADS-B compliance, and re-engine modification status.
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Related Aircraft Guides:
- Citation I / 500: Predecessor Variant
- Citation S/II: Improved Higher-Performance Variant
- Citation Bravo: Modernized Successor
- Citation V: Stretched Sibling Platform
Production of the Citation II ended in 2006. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Specifications accurate as of 2026.