Country of origin:

United States of America

Description:

Business and executive aircraft

Power Plant:

Two 2,750 lbst Pratt & Whitney PW530A turbofans

Specifications:

History:

Continued development by Cessna produced the Model 550 Citation II, which was larger, faster, climbed more quickly, cruised at higher altitudes, and ranged further than earlier Citation models. Two prototypes were flown, the first on 31 January and the second on 28 April 1977. Customer deliveries began in January 1978. This model had a 1.22 m (4 ft) longer fuselage, with a higher aspect ratio wing, and more powerful 2,500 lbst Pratt & Whitney of Canada turbofans. Flight crew was normally two, the main cabin providing accommodation for up to ten, although standard layout was for six.

Production was at the rate of ten aircraft a month, with the 100th aircraft being delivered in September 1979. A total of 733 Citation IIs was built.

In October 1983 the Citation SII was announced and it replaced the earlier model on the production line in early 1984. The Model SII was a variant for single pilot operation and SII introduced a new aerofoil section reducing high-speed drag, an extended inboard wing leading-edge increasing lift and fuel volume, more powerful engines, modified flaps which, like the ailerons, were of composite construction, and various other modifications. Fifteen examples of the SII were supplied to the US Navy as the Cessna T-47A, and these were operated as tactical navigator and radar intercept officer training aircraft.

The Citation Bravo was a further development of the series, announced at the Farnborough Airshow in the United Kingdom in September 1994. Designed to replace the Citation II, the prototype (N550BB – c/n 0734) first flew on 25 April 1995 and was based on the Citation II airframe with advanced technology engines, state-of-the-art avionics and flight controls, trailing-link main undercarriage, more crew legroom, new cabin seats and interior with a superior performance.

In 1997 production switched to the Citation Bravo, this having new 2,885 lbst Pratt & Whitney PW503A engines, new Honeywell Primus EFIS avionics, and other improvements, the first example of this model flying on 25 April 1995, certification being received in August of the following year. More than 50 Bravos had been delivered by late 1998.

A number of examples of the series have operated in this region over the years, and operators have included Williams Airlines, Jet Charter Pty Ltd, Lloyds, Skywest, Katies, Trans West, Presidential Jet Services, etc.

Examples of the series registered in this region have included: Citation IIs VH-MAY (c/n 550-0017) from August 1978 to March 1983 when it was exported to New Guinea as P2-RDZ; VH-WGJ (c/n 550-0054) from April 1979 to January 1999 when it became VH-OYW, in June 2004 becoming VH-PSM with Shortstop Jet Charter Pty Ltd; VH-WNZ (c/n 550-0057) from May 1979 with Tasman Australia Airlines Pty Ltd of Paradise Point, QLD; and VH-LSW (c/n 550-0076) from May 1984 to January 1985 when it became VH-TFY, in May 1990 becoming VH-XDD, and in August 2003 being exported to New Guinea as P2-MBD.

VH-WNP (c/n 550-0102) was registered from December 1979 to March 1988 when it became VH-JCG, becoming VH-JPG in March 1990 and VH-OYC in September 2000 with Pearl Aviation Australia of Darwin; VH-KDI (c/n 550-0135) from July 1981 to May 1983 when it was exported as N39142; VH-ING (c/n 550-0141) from June 1980 to June 1999 when it became VH-INX, becoming VH-EJY in July 2000 with Executive Jet Charter Pty Ltd; VH-TFQ (c/n 550-0145) from December 1989 to November 1993 when it was exported as P2-MBN; and VH-UOH (c/n 550-0162) from June 1980 to November 1980 when it was exported as N550KP.

VH-TNP (c/n 550-0168 – ex VH-ICT[ntu]) was registered from April 1981 to July 1986 when it became VH-LJK, beings exported as N785CA in November 1988 but returning as VH-LJK in February 1989, again being exported in April 1993 as N68GA; VH-SWL (c/n 550-0188) from January 1981 to September 1988 when it was exported as HB-VIZ; VH-ORE (c/n 550-0219) from December 1987 to February 1991 when it was exported as N12AC; and VH-EXM (c/n 550-0228) from August 1994 to March 2002 when it was exported as N810JT.

VH-JPK (c/n 550-0272) was registered from August 1988 to February 1994 when it was exported as HB-VKX; VH-JBH (c/n 550-0290) from December 1983 to February 1987 when it was exported as OE-GCH; VH-KTK (c/n 550-339) from September 1982 to March 1997 when it became VH-SCD with DHM Aircraft Sales Pty Ltd; VH-ZLE (c/n 550-0347) from June 1996 with China Southern WA Flying College at Jandakot, WA. VH-JVS (c/n 550-0419) from December 1988 to December 1991 when it was exported as G-WYLX; VH-VLZ (c/n 550-0690) from June 2002 with Orkdale Pty Ltd of Main Beach, QLD; and VH-QQZ (c/n 550-0076 – ex P2-MBD) of Queensland Regional Airlines of Cairns.

Citation SIIs registered have included: VH-EMO (c/n S550-0063) from October 1985 with Esso Australia Ltd of Melbourne and VH-IWU (c/n S550-0118) from May 1994 to August 2000 when it was exported as N118AJ.

Citation Bravos registered ha e included: VH-MGC (c/n 550-0810) from March 1997 to May 2004 when it became VH-XCJ with Mt Craigie Holdings of Rosebud West, VIC; VH-FGK (c/n 550-0852) from September 1998 with Melbourne Air Holdings Pty Ltd; VH-ZLT (c/n 550-0878) from June 1999 with China Southern WA Flying College at Jandakot, WA; VH-HVM (c/n 550-0984) from August 2001 with Carrington Investments Pty Ltd; VH-SCC (c/n550-1058) from May 2003 with Macarthur Jet Charter of Camden, NSW; and Citation II/SP VH-BRX (c/n 551-0064) from December 1981 to May 1983 when it was exported as N101DD.