One-layer and two-layer hybrid composites were fabricated using open leaky mold method in order to examine the effect of structural geometry on impact performance of aramid fiber/polyethylene (PE) fiber hybrid composites. The impact property of interply hybrid composites was compared with that of intraply hybrid composites with respect to impact mechanism and deformation extent. In addition, the delamination area of two hybrid composites was considered for correlation with impact properties. In one-layer composites, two intraply hybrids exhibited the different characteristics in impact mechanism and deformation shape. The laminate T absorbed most of impact energy through large deformation of PE fibers with an elliptical damage shape. On the other hand, the laminate R showed the higher impact energy because both aramid and PE fibers contributed to the absorption of impact energy with a round damage zone. In case of two-layer composites, interply hybrid composites exhibited higher impact energy than intraply hybrid composites. The interply hybrids absorbed the impact energy through deformation process such as fiber pullout and delamination, and impact energy was well correlated to delamination area. The impact energy of intraply hybrid composites was primarily dominated by full exertion of deformation in PE fiber rather than delamination process. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.