Cessna announced the stretched version of the Citation I in September 1976. The cabin was lengthened by a little over 3 feet and the center aisle was dropped 4.8 inches. This increased cabin volume by 58 cubic feet. Thrust from each powerful Pratt & Whitney JT15D4 engines was increased from 2,200 to 2,500 pounds. The normal cruise speed increased by 22 knots.
The Citation II first flew on January 31, 1977.