Composites are provided having improved strength and rigidity, with respect to mass or volume, as compared to known polymeric composites or polymeric composites in combination with metal reinforcement. The composites of the present invention are metallic-polymeric composites and are comprised of polymeric composites and metallic composites. Such metallic-polymeric composites provide for composite parts having improved strength and/or rigidity, with respect to mass or volume, compared to other composite parts. The composite parts of the present invention have potential utility, for example, as aerospace craft leading edges, bodies, panels, and control surfaces.