Cessna Citation SII
The Cessna Citation SII, Model S550 series, is a modification of Cessna's best-ever selling light business jet. It was produced by Cessna from 1984 until 1988. Model S550 seats up to 8 passengers and 2 pilots.
Specifications
Exterior Dimensions
Wing span: 52 ft 3 in
Length: 47 ft 3 in
Height: 15 ft 0 in
Engines
Manufacturer: Pratt & Whitney
Model: JT15D-4B
Horsepower: 2500 lbf
Overhaul (HT): 3500 TBO
Performance
| Horsepower: 2500.00 | Gross Weight: 15,000 |
| Top Speed: | Empty Weight: 8,049 |
| Cruise Speed: 403 | Fuel Capacity: 5;820 |
| Stall Speed (dirty): 82 | Range: 2,104 |
| Rate of Climb: 3,000 | Rate of Climb (One Engine): 860 |
| Service Ceiling: 43,000 | Ceiling (One Engine): 25,000 |
| Takeoff | Landing |
| Ground Roll: | Ground Roll |
| Takeoff Roll Over 50 ft: 3,240 | Landing Roll Over 50 ft: 3,050 |
History
The improved Citation SII (Model S550) was announced in October 1983 and first flew on February 14, 1984, before certification in July. It gained a supercritical airfoil developed for the Citation III and JT15D4B turbofans. It replaced the II from 1984, but the II resumed production from late 1985, and both were built until the Bravo introduction. Deliveries of the SII amount to 160.
The improved 2,500 lbf JT15D-4B has higher temperatures components, allowing more thrust at higher altitudes. It could seat 11 people and fuel capacity was increased to 5820 lbs. TKS fluid de-icing was used on airfoils leading edges in addition to bleed air for the engines.
Development
The Citation SII can carry eight passengers up to 2,300 miles (2,000 nautical miles) and has a max cruise speed of 404 knots. Its two Pratt & Whitney JT15D-4B high-bypass fan engines provide 2,500 pounds of thrust each on takeoff, a step up from the Citation II’s engines, specifically in thrust at high altitudes. The S/II climbs to cruise altitude at a little more than 3,000 feet per minute and has a maximum service ceiling of 43,000 feet.
The Citation S/II is most favored for its straightforward design. This feature is best enjoyed in the cockpit, which has an intuitive, logical layout that makes flying easier. The cockpit boasts 340 degrees visibility and has simple controls for vital systems like fuel and de-icing. The Citation S/II can be flown by a single pilot, which reduces travel/operating costs and allows for more flexibility in flight planning.
The Citation S/II has very good handling characteristics, due largely to its engineers’ decision to use the straight wing design. Not only does this make the jet less susceptible to Dutch rolls caused by strong gusts, but it also increases the ratio of lift per increment of angle-of-attack, which makes for effortless takeoffs and landings. The S/II modified the wing to further reduce drag by redesigning the wing root, engine nacelle, and pylon areas.
Just because the Citation SII systems are simple, it most definitely does not mean they aren’t safe. The Citation SII is certified under FAR part 25 airworthiness standards – standards that are mandatory for big airliners like the Boeing 747.
