It was characterised, however, by its short-span cantilever lower wing, which made it a sesquiplane.
The series 39 aircraft were powered by the 150 kW (200 hp) Austro-Daimler 200hp engine and the series 339 aircraft by the 168 kW (225 hp) Austro-Daimler 225 hp engine driving a four-bladed Jaray propeller and armed with the usual paired 8 mm (0.315 in) Schwarzlose machine guns.
A further prototype, (30.38), was produced by fitting a 150 kW (200 hp) Hiero engine in a D.II airframe.
The first three production aircraft were tested in November 1917, and seven were evaluated at the front later in that year, showing good promise.
However, the decision was made that Aviatik should instead produce the Fokker D.VII, and any plans to continue production of the D.II were halted.