The characteristics of intermetals has been presented in the wor, that is alloys on the base ordered intermetallic phases. Intermetals are heat-resisting materials with unique properties intermediate between the properties of metals and ceramics. Their small density, high trength and resistance to oxidation, bound with sufficient plasticity and crack resistance, make them attractive material for machine elements working in elevated temperatures and corrosive surroundings. Based on generalised world research, and also many years' own work, there have been discussed the main interdependences between structure and properties, and the perspectives of futher development and application of intermetals.