A nanocomposite comprising: an array of extended length fibers, the extended length fibers having a cross-sectional diameter and a length dimension, wherein the length dimension is at least 100 times greater than the cross sectional diameter and wherein at least a portion of the extended length fibers are arranged with their length dimensions extending substantially parallel to a common reference plane; a plurality of nanofibers extending in stitched relation at least partially across the array of extended length fibers, wherein the nanofibers are oriented with their length dimensions transverse to the common reference plane, and wherein on average, the nanofibers contact and operatively connect three or more of the extended length fibers such that the nanofibers form a long-range nano-stitching pattern; and a connecting agent operating at points of connection between the nanofibers and the extended length fibers such that the connecting agent interlocks the nanofibers to the extended length fibers at the points of connection, wherein the connecting agent is a resin; and the resin is accumulated at the interfaces between the nanofibers and the extended length fibres to form a localized bonding; wherein the nanocomposite has a porous internal void volume and wherein a control volume of the nanocomposite comprising at least three extended length fibers and at least one nanofiber satisfies the following formula: V − V f − V nf − V ca V − V f − V nf > 20 % wherein V equals total control volume; V f equals volume of extended length fibers within the control volume; V nf equals the volume of nanofibers within the control volume; and V ca equals volume of connecting agent within the control volume. an array of extended length fibers, the extended length fibers having a cross-sectional diameter and a length dimension, wherein the length dimension is at least 100 times greater than the cross sectional diameter and wherein at least a portion of the extended length fibers are arranged with their length dimensions extending substantially parallel to a common reference plane; a plurality of nanofibers extending in stitched relation at least partially across the array of extended length fibers, wherein the nanofibers are oriented with their length dimensions transverse to the common reference plane, and wherein on average, the nanofibers contact and operatively connect three or more of the extended length fibers such that the nanofibers form a long-range nano-stitching pattern; and a connecting agent operating at points of connection between the nanofibers and the extended length fibers such that the connecting agent interlocks the nanofibers to the extended length fibers at the points of connection, wherein the connecting agent is a resin; and the resin is accumulated at the interfaces between the nanofibers and the extended length fibres to form a localized bonding; wherein the nanocomposite has a porous internal void volume and wherein a control volume of the nanocomposite comprising at least three extended length fibers and at least one nanofiber satisfies the following formula: V − V f − V nf − V ca V − V f − V nf > 20 % wherein V equals total control volume; V f equals volume of extended length fibers within the control volume; V nf equals the volume of nanofibers within the control volume;