As a result of its failure to meet the levels of performance and agility demanded by the C2 specification, the SPAD 11 was used, along with the more successful Salmson 2 and Breguet 14, to replace ageing Sopwith 1½ Strutter and Dorand AR reconnaissance aircraft.

The SPAD 11 had some resemblance to Béchereau's single-seat fighters and employed much the same method of simple construction.

Longer and heavier than the fighters, the SPAD 11's lower wings were designed with cut-outs to improve the observer's view of the ground.

Handling problems were encountered, including tail-heaviness, making the aircraft tiring to fly, and a propensity to stall.

A single SPAD 11 was modified as a night fighter, fitted with a searchlight on a framework mounted ahead of the propeller, under the Cn2 specification.

He personally flew reconnaissance missions in it when the Second Battle of the Marne started in the Château-Thierry sector, in July 1918.