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Ok, so I thought it a challenge to come up with a list using Tie Bombers just because they typically aren't used at all. Let me know what you think.

Captain Jonus + Predator + Proton Torpedo + Proton Torpedo

Scimitar Squad Pilot + Proton Torpedo + Proton Torpedo

Patrol Leader + Darth Vader

This list will do damage eary with the torpedos at range. I'd fly the bombers close to each other to take advantage of Jonus' ability and Jonus will get rerolls from Predator (not to mention the built in focus to crit on the torpedoes). Then the Vader Decimator can clean up.

I've seen 4 bombers played and because of their high hull point and rerolls from Joni's, they can be pretty good.

I can't remenber the complete load out but usually a mixture of cluster missiles and concussion missiles and then maybe some flèchette Torps on another

I'd go a completely different direction using bombers and basically use them as standard, swarmy TIE fighters with extra punch at the beginning and the mass of hull points available to make it work.

I'd try

Captain Jonus

x3 Scimitar Squadron w/ Cluster Missile

and Howlrunner
to make the "swarm" better after the missiles are launched

so punch first with 6, 3 dice attacks rerolling 2 dice a piece, then 4, 2 dice atttacks rerolling one die on each. It's not "good" but it's not much worse than a regular TIE swarm. You also kind of force their target priority because if they don't kill Jonus before the missiles are launched, they'll regret it, but that leaves Howlrunner alive longer to deal more damage with primaries.

but nobody wants to buy four TIE bombers.

Well, it's not going to work very well but you probably know that already. The best thing you can do is get rid of the marginally-useful decimator and bring more bombers to take advantage of your re-roll. And you might even cut Jonus' weapons down since he's a priority target that is likely to die before he gets to use multiple one-shot weapons and doesn't get to use his own re-roll.

I'd buy 4 bombers. One thing for sure, your opponents would never expect 4 of them. Looks like it would be fun to try!

What if the Decimator was replaced by three TIES.

Jonus + Veteran Instincts + Proton Torpedo + Proton Torpedo
Scimitar Squad + Proton Torpedo + Proton Torpedo

Backstabber

Mauler MIthil

Academy Pilot

I like bombers. They're tough, reliable ships, and can pull their weight in a slugging match provided you don't ask them to engage agility 3+ ships or.....you know....turn.

Torpedos are nice, but I'd be hesitant to double-load a ship with Proton Torpedos; a TIE bomber isn't that tough, and you don't want to die with ordnance still in the tubes.

Fletchette Torpedos - if you have them - are a nice, points-cheap alternative, if you want two improved shots. Otherwise, a single volley of cluster missiles and/or assault missiles, then lasers.

I like the Jonus/Howlrunner idea, by the way. You haven't got enough points left to add a fourth armed bomber, so she adds some nice teeth. Just hang back and evade during the initial pass...

I do like cluster missiles. The fact that you can't get in under their range makes them nice - the fact that a twenty point TIE bomber can pretend to be Corran Horn for a turn is kind of terrifying...

Azeroth wrote:
What if the Decimator was replaced by three TIES.

Same problem as the original list: you're paying for a unique pilot's ability and then not using it effectively. Jonus commits you to taking multiple bombers with secondary weapons (probably cluster missiles) to take advantage of his re-roll. If you just have one other bomber and a bunch of other ships then you're not giving him much of an opportunity to earn his points back.

OK, one last swipe at this:

Jonus + Predator + Proton Torpedo + Cluster Missle

Scimitar Squad + Cluster MIssle + Cluster Missle

Scimitar Squad + Cluster Missle + Cluster MIssle

Howlrunner + Calculation

That would be 4 3 damage shots, one 2 damage shot, and one 4 damage shot turn one and 6 3 damage shots and one 2 damage shot on turn 2.

Jonus and Howlrunner help the other two bombers and Predator and Howlrunner help Jonus.

Azeroth wrote:
OK, one last swipe at this:

Jonus + Predator + Proton Torpedo + Cluster Missle

Scimitar Squad + Cluster MIssle + Cluster Missle

Scimitar Squad + Cluster Missle + Cluster MIssle

Howlrunner + Calculation

That would be 4 3 damage shots, one 2 damage shot, and one 4 damage shot turn one and 6 3 damage shots and one 2 damage shot on turn 2.

Jonus and Howlrunner help the other two bombers and Predator and Howlrunner help Jonus.

I think this list looks fun! I'm. Saving it for if/when I ever have 4 bombers. Meantime let us know how it goes?

Azeroth wrote:
{list}

Better, but still too much investment in Jonus himself. Two one-shot weapons is overkill when he's almost guaranteed to die before he gets to use both of them. But if you drop his upgrades, the second missiles on the other bombers (remember, they're much less impressive once Jonus dies) and the pointless calculation EPT on Howlrunner you can fit another scimitar with a cluster missile. That gives you three bombers in the alpha strike as well as another ship for the later turns of the game.

I'd include at least one Ion missile. At least you can keep a primary target at range 2-3 for an extra turn to get the second volley off.
If you think your facing a Swarm (or a mini-swarm with a big ship) then a bunch of assault missiles can be a rude shock.
Jonus
3x Scimitar + 2x Assault Missile each
100 pts

Too bad there isn't quite enough room for Col Jendon and the st321. The other problem this list has is getting enough target locks when you need them

buckero0 wrote:
Too bad there isn't quite enough room for Col Jendon and the st321. The other problem this list has is getting enough target locks when you need them

PS 6 instead of 2 doesn't do you much good on acquiring target locks on the correct targets, especially when you've thus tethered your bombers at range 1 to your Lambda. Jendon is good for action efficiency and more accurate guns (being able to focus and still get the target lock you need to shoot) but you already get that from Jonus so he's kind of just redundant

 bocatt wrote:
PS 6 instead of 2 doesn't do you much good on acquiring target locks on the correct targets

No, but ST321 certainly does.