Thin-ply carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) have the advantages of light weight

good mechanical properties

good adaptability to complex shapes

strong designability

which are valuable characteristics in aerospace applications. From the views of the macro

meso and micro scales of CFRP laminates

the research progresses for the thinply effects on the basic problems of the laminate such as porosity

meso (micro) structural evolution and damage mechanism are reviewed

and the direct meanings of the important research conclusions to the development of thin-ply composites are analyzed in this paper. The controversial research results and related theoretical foundation are discussed. Furthermore

the applications of thin-ply CFRP structural parts in aircraft

foldable structures in satellite and large liquid fuel storage tanks are introduced.