Light Jet - Legacy Production
Cessna Citation S/II (Model S550): Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Cessna Aircraft Company
Cessna Citation S/II (Model S550): Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Cessna Citation S/II (Model S550), produced from 1984 to 1988, is the higher-performance evolution of the Citation II featuring a redesigned supercritical airfoil wing, upgraded JT15D-4B engines, and improved aerodynamics. Only 160 Citation S/II aircraft were built (including 15 T-47A variants for the U.S. Navy), making it one of the rarer Citation variants and a strong used-market performer. Pre-owned market today: $700,000 to $1.4 million, with re-engined Williams FJ44 variants commanding substantial premiums.
For Citation buyers seeking the highest-performance straight-wing Citation 550 platform, the S/II remains uniquely positioned, particularly with Sierra Industries Super S-II conversions.
Citation S/II Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Light Jet - Legacy Production |
| Production Status | Discontinued 1988 (reintroduced Citation II ran alongside until 1985) |
| First Flight | February 14, 1984 |
| Production Years | 1984 to 1988 |
| Total Units Built | 160 (includes 15 T-47A for U.S. Navy) |
| Model Designation | Cessna S550 |
| Crew | 2 pilots typically (some single-pilot variants) |
| Passengers (Standard) | 8 |
| Passengers (Max) | 10 occupants |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR) | 1,400 nm (improved over Citation II) |
| Max Cruise Speed | 405 ktas |
| Long-Range Cruise | 360 ktas |
| Max Operating Altitude | 43,000 ft |
| Engines | 2× Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-4B |
| Thrust per Engine | 2,500 lbf (5,000 lbf total) |
| Cabin Length | 15 ft 8 in |
| Cabin Width | 4.83 ft (58 in) |
| Cabin Height | 4.83 ft (58 in) |
| Original Price (1984) | $3,300,000 |
| Pre-Owned Price (2025) | $700,000 to $1,400,000 |
| Pre-Owned (with Super S-II FJ44 conversion) | $1,800,000 to $2,800,000 |
History and the S/II Evolution
The Citation S/II launched in 1984 as the higher-performance successor to the Citation II. Cessna's primary design improvement was a new supercritical airfoil wing borrowed from the Citation III/VI/VII research, delivering meaningfully better cruise efficiency and high-altitude performance.
Platform timeline:
- February 14, 1984: S/II first flight
- 1984: Production begins; standard Citation II discontinued
- Late 1985: Cessna reintroduces standard Citation II alongside S/II after buyer objections to $3.3M S/II price (vs $2.6M Citation II)
- 1984-1988: 160 total S/II aircraft delivered, including 15 T-47A variants
- 1988: S/II production ends; Citation V takes over as next-generation straight-wing Citation
The S/II's higher performance coupled with its relatively low production total (160 aircraft) led to substantially higher demand on the used aircraft market compared to the standard Citation II.
Key Improvements Over Citation II
- Supercritical airfoil wing: New design with swept wing roots from Citation III research
- JT15D-4B engines: Improved variant with better hot-and-high performance
- Higher cruise speed: 405 ktas vs Citation II's 385 ktas
- Extended range: ~1,400 nm vs 1,159 nm on Citation II
- Improved climb performance: Faster to altitude
Cabin Interior
Cabin dimensions identical to Citation II:
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length | 15 ft 8 in |
| Cabin Width | 4.83 ft (58 inches) |
| Cabin Height | 4.83 ft (58 inches) |
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | 405 ktas |
| Long-Range Cruise | 360 ktas |
| Range (NBAA IFR) | ~1,400 nm |
| Service Ceiling | 43,000 ft |
The S/II's supercritical airfoil delivers meaningful efficiency improvements over the original Citation II at high-altitude cruise.
Engines
Two Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-4B turbofan engines, each producing 2,500 lbf of thrust. The -4B variant offers improved performance over the standard JT15D-4 used on the Citation II, particularly in hot-and-high conditions.
The T-47A Military Variant
The U.S. Navy purchased 15 Citation S/II aircraft as the T-47A radar systems trainer:
- Used to train F-14 Tomcat radar intercept officers
- Equipped with AN/APG-66(V) radar (also used on F-16)
- Configured for radar systems training mission
- Distinct from the OT-47B (based on Citation V airframe) used for drug interdiction reconnaissance
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection also purchased ten Citation IIs configured with fire control radar (AN/APG-66, later Selex ES Vixen 500E) and WF-360TL imaging systems, used in counter-narcotics operations across Latin America.
Williams FJ44-3 Super S-II Re-Engine Conversion
Sierra Industries developed the Super S-II conversion, replacing the JT15D engines with Williams FJ44-3 turbofans:
- Range increase: 2,340 nm IFR / 2,610 nm VFR (dramatic improvement)
- Substantially faster cruise: With improved fuel economy
- Optional Pro Line 21 avionics: Through Stevens Aviation partnership
- Conversion cost: Approximately $1.9 million
The Super S-II conversion transforms the platform from a 1,400 nm light jet into a 2,300+ nm range capable aircraft, competing with much-newer designs at significantly lower acquisition cost.
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour (Stock JT15D-4B) |
|---|---|
| Fuel (~150 gph) | $1,050 to $1,350 |
| Engine Reserve | $250 |
| Airframe Maintenance | $360 |
| Misc Variable | $200 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$1,860 to $2,160/hr |
Super S-II conversions show approximately 30% lower fuel burn, translating to $1,400 to $1,650/hr total variable cost.
Charter rates: $3,000 to $3,800 per hour.
Pricing
| Variant | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 1986 to 1988 S/II (final production) | $1,100,000 to $1,400,000 |
| 1984 to 1985 S/II (early production) | $700,000 to $1,100,000 |
| Sierra Super S-II Conversion (FJ44-3 engines) | $1,800,000 to $2,800,000 |
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Step-Up From Citation I/II: Better performance with same Citation pilot pool
- Value-Focused 8-Passenger Operators: Higher performance than Citation II at attainable cost
- Super S-II Conversion Operators: 2,300+ nm range at light jet acquisition cost
- Collectors/Specialty Operators: Limited production rarity
Less suited if:
- You need modern avionics out of the box (most retrofitted)
- You require Garmin G3000 platform
- You need transcontinental range without conversion
- You don't want engine program planning
Pros and Cons
What the Citation S/II Does Well
- Higher performance than standard Citation II
- Supercritical airfoil wing efficiency
- Citation parts and service network supports the type
- Limited production (160 aircraft) supports residual value
- Super S-II conversion potential
- T-47A military pedigree validates platform reliability
Tradeoffs to Understand
- Only 160 built (smaller fleet than Citation II)
- Original JT15D-4B engines expensive to overhaul
- Original avionics dated
- Cabin smaller than modern light jets
- Two-pilot operation typically
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Citation S/II different from the Citation II?
The S/II (1984) features a redesigned supercritical airfoil wing with swept wing roots (borrowed from the Citation III), upgraded JT15D-4B engines, faster cruise speed (405 ktas vs 385 ktas), and extended range. The cabin dimensions are identical.
How many Citation S/II aircraft were built?
A total of 160 Citation S/II aircraft were built between 1984 and 1988, including 15 T-47A variants delivered to the U.S. Navy.
What is the T-47A?
The T-47A is a Citation S/II variant purchased by the U.S. Navy as a radar systems trainer for F-14 Tomcat radar intercept officers, equipped with AN/APG-66(V) radar.
Can the Citation S/II be re-engined?
Yes. Sierra Industries developed the Super S-II conversion replacing JT15D-4B engines with Williams FJ44-3 turbofans, delivering up to 2,340 nm IFR range and substantially improved fuel economy at approximately $1.9 million conversion cost.
Why was production limited to 160 aircraft?
The Citation S/II was launched at $3.3M, a sharp increase from the Citation II's $2.6M price point. Buyer resistance prompted Cessna to reintroduce the standard Citation II alongside the S/II in late 1985, fragmenting demand. The S/II's higher performance led to strong used-market demand despite the limited production.
Is the Citation S/II single-pilot certified?
The Citation S/II is typically operated with two pilots. Single-pilot capability varies by configuration and regulatory environment.
The Bottom Line
The Cessna Citation S/II is the higher-performance straight-wing Citation 550 platform that delivers meaningfully better cruise speed and range than the Citation II at attainable acquisition cost. With only 160 built, the S/II has stronger used-market dynamics than the more-common Citation II. For operators willing to invest in the Sierra Super S-II Williams FJ44-3 conversion, the platform can be transformed into a 2,300+ nm range light jet competing with much-newer designs at substantially lower total cost.
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 S/II market intelligence, pre-buy diligence with attention to engine programs, ADS-B compliance, and conversion status.
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Related Aircraft Guides:
- Citation II: Standard Predecessor Variant
- Citation Bravo: Modernized Successor
- Citation V: Stretched Sibling Platform
- Citation I / 500: Original Citation Family Founder
Production of the Citation S/II ended in 1988. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Specifications accurate as of 2026.