Cessna Citation S/II

Cessna · United States · first flew 1984 · light aircraft

The Cessna Citation S/II was an upgraded development of the Citation II business jet, featuring improved Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-4B engines and aerodynamic refinements that significantly improved performance and single-engine climb capability. Its straight wing set it apart from swept-wing competitors.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — WingsLow-mounted, straight
E — Engines2 × turbofan, tail-mounted
F — FuselagePratt & Whitney JT15D turbofans on rear fuselage
T — TailT-tail

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The long, straight, unswept wing immediately distinguishes all Citation II-family aircraft from swept-wing business jets; the rear-mounted twin turbofans and T-tail are shared with competitors, but the wing planform is unique in its class.

Specifications

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Building on the successful Citation II, Cessna introduced the S/II in 1984 with new engines and enhanced hot-and-high performance. The straight-wing Citation design prioritised low-speed handling and short-field capability over outright cruise speed, making the aircraft suitable for smaller airports inaccessible to swept-wing jets.

Variants

The Citation S/II was effectively a refined Citation II; the broader Citation II family included the 550 and S550 designations; it was succeeded by the Citation Bravo which introduced further avionics and engine improvements.

Where you'll see it

The Citation S/II found a ready market among corporate and charter operators who valued its ability to use shorter runways, with many examples still in active service in the 2020s due to the robust Cessna support network.

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