Carbon fibre reinforced silicon carbide ceramics with newly designed fibre architectures have been engineered, manufactured and tested. The infiltration process itself and the mechanical properties of the fibre reinforced composite materials were modelled. Both models were validated by the results of laboratory infiltration experiments and by mechanical tests, respectively. Because of the reduction in infiltration time, pressure gradient or forced flow chemical vapour infiltration (FCVI) has been shown to have a high economic potential. Analysing this process by in situ Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), many chemical species in the hot zone could be identified and indicated process interferences at an early stage of the silicon carbide deposition process. The carbon fibre reinforced silicon carbide composites were designed and prepared with respect to their foreseen applications: damage tolerant composite materials and fibre reinforced bandage material for seal rings. They were tested under near service life conditions.