Maybe not great lists, but both would let you use the HWK effectively without including a turret. The HWK isn't much of a threat so it would be low on the kill list, but even if it does die it doesn't hurt the lists extensively. Again maybe not something I'd take to Worlds, but could be fun to play.

Will also be interesting to see what we can do with the S&V HWK, without a turret.

So actually getting back to the original question...

I played with a few list variants last night, and they all kept coming back to IMO needing Jan as a Crew for it. This then rules out running Jan as Pilot. But that said, Pilot Jan is a great offensive support option, maybe with Nien Numb and Swarm or Squad Leader, or even as a use for someone to Decoy off of for her PS 8. Roak is obviously a good pick too, and the ability to Swarm many other ships from that PS 12 is an obvious pick.

It was difficult to find any meaningful build otherwise. It really turns into a true support ship with the turret. Leia is an option, but it would need a fairly specialized and one-time set-up.

If I felt I really needed a tactician running around on the rebel side, I'd use a B-Wing. The HWK just has no benefit other than the 1 stress you might dish out on the initial joust. It's lacking maneuverability will make it hard to use that ability again. I just can't spend 18 points to give 1 stress to an opponent. Hell you could just drop a Flechette on anyone and have the same outcome.

If I felt I really needed a tactician running around on the rebel side, I'd use a B-Wing. The HWK just has no benefit other than the 1 stress you might dish out on the initial joust. It's lacking maneuverability will make it hard to use that ability again. I just can't spend 18 points to give 1 stress to an opponent. Hell you could just drop a Flechette on anyone and have the same outcome.

I made no claims that it was great. Just brainstorming based on the conditions given. I see the flaws in it, as does everyone else ever. That is why you don't see HWKs without turrets.

But if I HAD to use a HWK without a turret in some crazy format, this would be the one I would take. It provides some utility for the least points.

And this is just a pet peeve of mine and not related to the topic at hand, but I wish people would stop acting like Flechettes drop a stress on every ship.

If I felt I really needed a tactician running around on the rebel side, I'd use a B-Wing. The HWK just has no benefit other than the 1 stress you might dish out on the initial joust. It's lacking maneuverability will make it hard to use that ability again. I just can't spend 18 points to give 1 stress to an opponent. Hell you could just drop a Flechette on anyone and have the same outcome.

I made no claims that it was great. Just brainstorming based on the conditions given. I see the flaws in it, as does everyone else ever. That is why you don't see HWKs without turrets.

But if I HAD to use a HWK without a turret in some crazy format, this would be the one I would take. It provides some utility for the least points.

Now that's an interesting question...

If you had to use a Rebel Operative in your list and couldn't give it a turret, what would you do to make it suck the least?

Leia or Tactician may be the best you could do. That or just give it an engine upgrade and play action denial. Uhg, that would be an awful scenario...