The Goupy No.2 is significant for two major and influential innovations in aircraft design: it was the first tractor configuration biplane to fly and the first biplane to feature staggered wings, built with a landing gear configuration nearly identical in appearance to the Blériot XI monoplane, flown earlier that year.

[1] The only features that would not be typical of aircraft in the years to come would be its biplane tail unit, and the whole-chord wingtip ailerons fitted to both upper and lower wings.

The uncovered wood box-girder fuselage, typical of early aircraft, was later covered.

It flew competitively at the 1910 Reims air show, and made exhibition flights at British aviation meets at Burton and Doncaster, piloted by Emile Ladougne.

The Goupy No.3 differed only in detail: the biplane tail was replaced by a single elevator, the undercarriage was modified, and changes were made to the controls.