air-superiority

[ air-suh-peer-ee-awr-i-tee, -or-, -soo- ]

adjective

designating a fighter aircraft built for long patrol capability at high altitudes and supersonic speeds, with air-to-air combat as its principal mission.

Origin of air-superiority

First recorded in 1930–35

By September 1, 1939, Germany was already losing the contest for air superiority over Britain.
Rethink Everything You Think You Know About World War II | David Frum | February 10, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
They possess hundreds upon hundreds of frontline jet fighters and the necessary air bases—in sum, full air superiority over Libya.
Let Libya's Neighbors Fix It | Leslie H. Gelb | March 16, 2011 | THE DAILY BEAST
Later still, when Allied air superiority was assured, there came the phase of machine-gunning bodies of enemy troops from the air.
A History of Aeronautics | E. Charles Vivian
It must be applied quickly, decisively, and preferably with impunity (such as stealth bombing with air superiority).
Shock and Awe | Harlan K. Ullman

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