Abstract: System and method for producing a composite, particularly applicable for repairing damage to a structural component, wherein an electrical resistance heating element basically in the form of a layer of conductive carbon or graphite, e.g., in fiber form, becomes bonded to and forms a part of the cured composite. In the repair of a parent structure, a patch comprising a heat curable resinous material is applied to the parent structure, and a heat bondable adhesive film is positioned between the parent structure and the patch. An electrical resistance heating element in the form of a layer of graphite fibers is provided in contact with, or forming a part of, the patch, the heating element being capable of bonding the patch to the parent structure upon heating the adhesive bond to a predetermined temperature, to form a unitary structure comprised of the damaged parent structure, the patch and the heating element.