yeah sometimes the X factor (like crit chance in the fighting calculation) is a joke

I would guess the bomber was on patrol? This means it likely got two hits in on the interceptor. One as the regular patrol tick, and one returning fire when attacked.

what Vorlorn said (2 hits) + X-factor

... and the crew of the bomber squadron were probably veterans, while the fighter pilots were all newbies... sure sounds like the last :)))

But wouldn't the Fighter also get 2 ticks, one returning fire from the bomber patrol tick, one attack tick ?

Else, it changes my strategy right now & there.

there are many more things unknown to truly judge the situation.

Were there ground units of the bomber's nation in the vicinity?
were there other planes that were not seen, but slightly overlapped the area of fighting?

I do think that sometimes the x factor completegly negates the advantage some units are suposed to have over other units. Its fun if it works in your favor, but it really bums if it does not.