A common rule of thumb is that the attacking force must have a 3x or
greater combination of quantity and quality to succeed in its attack.
Does this rule apply to air combat?

I don't know how you would calculate the variables, especially if you
are speaking of WWII. One Me-262 could really proved worrisome to a
formation of B-17s (though the Forts did prevail).

In addition, in aerial combat the intention is not to hold ground.
There are not many instances where an aerial formation can be said to
have "prevailed". Who prevailed in the Schweinfurt raid, for example?

I suppose we can say that the British prevailed in the Battle of
Britain. Certainly they didn't have a 3X advantage over the Germans.
More like 1.1X.

all the best -- Dan Ford
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