The T-47A was a modified version of the Citation S/II (Model 552) for the U.S. Navy T-47A radar systems trainers seen in 1989 The similar OT-47B aircraft are based on the Cessna Citation V airframe.
These aircraft have been used effectively in Panama, Honduras, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Mexico and Aruba. The US Customs & Border Protection purchased ten Citation IIs configured with fire control radar (initially the F-16's AN/APG-66(V), later the Selex ES Vixen 500E system) and the WF-360TL imaging system. The S/II's higher performance coupled with its lower production numbers led to substantially higher demand on the used aircraft market compared to the standard II and II/SP. Deliveries of the S/II amounted to 160, including fifteen T-47A aircraft purchased by the U.S. The S/II replaced the II from 1984, but some potential buyers objected to the sharp price increase from US$2.6 million for the II to US$3.3 million for the S/II, prompting Cessna to reintroduce the II in late 1985 both were built until the Bravo introduction. The improved 2,500 lbf (11 kN) JT15D-4B engines had higher temperature-rated components, allowing more thrust at higher altitudes. The result of the improvements was a cruise speed of 403 kn (746 km/h) - exceeding 400 kn, felt to be an important marketing benchmark by Cessna - and a range of 1,378 nmi (2,552 km) with a 45-minute fuel reserve. Fuel capacity was increased by 120 US gal (450 L). To further reduce drag, the fuselage and engine nacelle pylons were redesigned, and nacelle fairings were added. It gained a supercritical airfoil with swept wing roots, aileron and flap gap seals, and a fluid deicing system instead of the pneumatic deicing boots used on earlier Citations. The improved Citation S/II (Model S550) was announced in October 1983 and first flew on February 14, 1984, before certification in July. A total of 688 II and II/SP aircraft were delivered.
Both the II and II/SP require special training to be operated by a single pilot.
As the II and II/SP are otherwise largely similar, the 800 lb (360 kg) reduction in MTOW of the II/SP often mandates operating with a reduced fuel load, shortening the aircraft's loaded range compared to the standard II. The II/SP (Model 551) is the single pilot version, type certificated to slightly less stringent FAR Part 23 standards, with a slightly reduced maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) at 12,500 lb (5,700 kg) and minor changes in cockpit equipment. The stretched Citation was announced in September 1976, it first flew on Januand FAA certification was awarded in March 1978.
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