Since the thread on the Tie Advanced, I've been trying to figure out a viable way to include it in a build. Here's what I came up with. Thoughts?

33 points

Darth Vader

9 2 3 3 2

Unique

During your "Perform Action" step, you may perform 2 actions.

Darth Vader/TIE Advanced (29)

Engine Upgrade (4)

– Your action bar gains the action icon.

A bit more agile with both boost and barrel roll as two actions, a little beefier than Interceptors with two shields and Bader for cool factor!

25 points

Tetran Cowell

9 3 3 3 0

Unique

When you reveal a maneuver, you may treat the speed of that meaneuver as "1", "3" or "5".

Tetran Cowell/TIE Interceptor (24)

Veteran Instincts (1)

– Increase your pilot skill value by 2.

26 points

Turr Phennir

9 3 3 3 0

Unique

After you perform an attack, you may perform a free boost or barrel roll action.

Turr Phennir/TIE Interceptor (25)

Veteran Instincts (1)

– Increase your pilot skill value by 2.

16 points

Backstabber

6 2 3 3 0

Unique

When attacking from outside the defender's firing arc, roll 1 additional attack die.

Backstabber/TIE Fighter (16)

I like extremely high PS so I shoot first and for use against Phantoms!

i like it. EU on vader is a good call imo. ur other pilots r serious threats in their own right.

I only count 1...

I find your lack of faith in the Tie Advanced disturbing.

cuz everyone needs 4 advanced.

Indeed. You can't go far wrong with an engine-upgraded Vader.

I'll be interested to see how the Advanced fares post rebel aces - I have three, and I've used Darth Vader/Maarek Stele/Tempest Squadron Pilot and it's done okay. 4 Tempests with Proton Rockets strikes me as tempting to try, if only for the lulz.

I see only one problem. No PtL. Interceptors work best with PtL.

Phantoms aren't as scary as you would think when you're flying squints.

People have issues with the TIE advanced, but not Vader. He seems to be appropriately priced and powerful with two actions and PS 9. Especially with some ordinance.

Giving Vader the engine upgrade seems a bit of a waste if you do not also give him outmaneuver.

PS9, boost&barrel roll should mean he is out of arc anyhow.

The only downside is that Vader like this costs a whopping 36 points.

Great fun to fly. Just not viable in a tournament setting. Too expensive for what he does. (IMO)

If you can work in outmaneuver on Vader it makes him much more deadly especially with EU.

Cowall VI I'd swap to Royal Guard PTL. Same cost, much better IMO, never had much faith in Cowall. The VI on Phennir would be better served on Vader if you're going for Phantom killing. Looking for any cuts you can make to swap Phennir for Fel PTL, or push Phennir up to Phennir PTL.

I'm not big on the advanced (as most people), but the only problem I see is that you come out to 100 points and aren't going to win initiative bid vs Phantoms like you want.

Proton Rockets are 3 points right?

If so, then when they come out you could run 3 tempest with PR and Mareek with PR. Could be interesting.