One thing to consider about Proton Rockets is that they're actually a bit better for low-PS ships than high PS like Vader.

One of the risks in using standard long-range locking ordnance is that if you move first, you can easily be out of range to lock a target, then too close to fire next turn once you do. This is part of why you REALLY don't want initiative with Bomber squadrons. Since Proton Rockets come with a build-in Deadeye, they can help offset this a bit, plus you reduce the chance of someone jumping inside your range.

Which is all to say that Vader, despite being the only Advanced people think is worth anything, doesn't take advantage of a lot of the goodness Proton Rockets offer.

It's true that he (or high PS pilots) doesn't need the advantage gained by proton rockets in terms of gaining a target lock, but I think lower PS pilots face a few other, more significant problems. A low PS may have to spend that focus on defense before they can shoot, whereas a higher PS pilot will be more likely to get the rockets off and then decided to spend it on the roll or keep it for defense. A higher PS pilot with two actions and a maneuver option, is going to be more able to get into R1 more easily and be more selective about the actual target.

I've played low PS A-Wings with them and I've played Vader and I much prefer them on Vader. The low PS ships just have a tougher time with positioning, and when the targets you most want to hit are higher PS and usually have positioning options themselves, it's much harder to actually get the shot you want on the lower PS pilots.

WIth regard to the OP, my ideal flight strategy is to TL with Vader at range 3 and then swoop in in the next round for the TL+Focus and be able to use a second action for positioning if needed.

I've been running Vader as very expensive with Outmaneuver, Proton Rockets, and EU. I've found it to be useable, even though I realize there are choices that are more efficient.

The generic advanceds can't take an EPT which prevents them from pushing the limit to get a TL and focus in the same turn.

This plan also adds 5 points to the cost of the Awing. Some people might consider that to be throwing good money after bad. Dem TLs better be worth those 5 points.

I actually have been enjoying Homing Missiles a little bit.

Vader+Homing Missile+EU+Outmaneuver seems to work all of a sudden a ship at range 3 with 4 dice and an evade token becomes 2 Dice (outmaneuver+secondary weapon denying r3 bonus) and no evade and it gets walloped too bad fielding multiple of them is a bit cost prohibitive

I think the point being made by Hrathen is that Vader doesn't need range one help, he needs it at range 2-3. For 3 points at R1 I prefer Predator or Outmaneuver as it helps every turn.

My current favorite setup is

Vader, Engine Upgrade, Predator or Outmaneuver.

^ This

The thing is, Vader's abilities are stacked to get great use out of Concussion Missiles. His high PS lets you TL after most other ships have moved, making the range 3 shot more likely, and his double actions give the Concussion Missiles more punch. You're doing 4 hits unless you roll >1 blank.

The Proton Rocket (for Imperials), I think, becomes more interesting as a threat. You could have a Tempest with PR bull rush toward the enemy, while long range shooters hang back. If the enemy goes after the Tempest with shorter range shots, you've successfully used the one strength the Advanced has, its toughness. If the Tempest is ignored, you've got good chances to get a TL+Focus 5 Attack shot on something, that's almost as good as an APT. I'm not saying this is a reason to take an Advanced, but it at least causes the opponent to make some interesting decisions.

Vader with EU+ proton rocket+ outmaneuver can one shot or place within killing distance every small ship in the game and puts quite a dent in large ships. Even the mighty bwing is suddenly sheildless, the outrider and firespray lose a green dice and have shields gone...might c3Po is a non-factor.

It's a combo that is almost good. If the advanced gets a buff on the same scale as refit it's going to jump out pretty fast as a nice combo.