Automated carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) placement for Ariane 5 upper stages. Automated carbon fibre placement is suitable for the production of large CFRP structures in one single piece. A drastic reduction in cost and time is achieved in the manufacturing, inspection and assembly stages. It also reduces the scrap material from 25% to 3%. This technology is used in most of the upper stage structures of the Ariane 5 launcher.