On 15 November 1974, Cessna announced the development of a new turboprop-powered pressurised executive transport which is designated Cessna Model 441. The prototype was flown for the first time on 26 August 1975 and by the time that initial deliveries began in 1977 the type had been given the name Conquest. The aircraft was powered by two Garrett TPE331 turboprop engines which had been developed specially to provide the high-alti-tude/high-speed performance that Cessna required for this 11-seat transport.

Cessna had designed the Conquest in the hope that it would slot into the market between available powered business aircraft. However, marketing plans were delayed when problems arose in early 1978, one of the first production aircraft being involved in a crash; this resulted in the Conquest being grounded by Cessna. Modification of the tail unit was carried out before the type was re-certificated, and as a result of this, aircraft that were already completed had to be provided with a new tailplane.

The Model 441 Conquest incorporated the wing and landing gear of the Model 404 Titan, with the span increased by the use of wingtip extensions. The pressurised and air-conditioned cabin could accommodate up to 10 passengers, although a four-seat de luxe version was offered for executive use. In 1983 the Model 441 was redesignated and marketed as the Conquest II and by 1986 when production ceased, 353 examples had been sold.