Leading edge protection for composite blades

A laminated filament composite structure, such as an airfoil for use in an environment in which it is subjected to both foreign object impact and bending is provided with improved leading edge protection. At least one fine wire mesh layer is partially bonded within the composite structure along its neutral bending axis. A portion of the wire mesh layer extends beyond the neutral bending axis and partially around the leading edge where it is bonded to the outer periphery of the primary composite structure. The wire mesh is clad with a metal such as nickel to provide an improved leading edge protective device which is firmly anchored within the composite structure. Also described is a novel method of constructing a composite airfoil so as to further minimize the possibility of losing the leading edge protective device due to delamination caused by impact and bending.