I'm sure it has already been discussed, but I couldn't think of search terms that would produce results/threads with the info I am looking for.....

so, for 7 pts. on a space cow, which is better? which will produce more damage?

Heavy Laser Cannon (7)?

or Gunner (5) + Fire Control System (2) ?

the white bovine does not handle well and wont be able to control range of engagement effectively, so the HLCs range 3 advantage will be somewhat minimized.....

I'm positive that someone has already done the math on this.....

Engine+Advanced sensors is the best IMO.

It depends on what sort of threat you plan to face and what actions you will have available. If you are fighting nimble craft, with 2+ agility and you won't have focus or TL for modification normally, go with the Buzzsaw. It can tear through things and if you have engine upgrade, you won't miss the actions to modify dice. If, however, you plan to encounter a bunch of low agility ships with high HP and you don't intend to have Engine Upgrade, go with HLC. Buzzsaw is generally more reliable where HLC has more variance.

Yes, what sablegryphon said.

1 additional point: I find that I usually don't get actions with my shuttles (bumping and red maneuvers to keep the enemy in sight) so the buzzsaw gets about the same firepower as the HLC even against low agility targets.

I prefer buzzsaw over HLC most of the time. For reasons listed above.

Also give Tactician and Gunner a try. That is a fun list and reasonably effective. I like that more than FCSGunner because it sometimes keeps that target in arc longer. It has decent damage via Gunner, and the stresses are really non-negligible. You'll have to practice to get the R2s but its not that hard. Gunner makes R3 okay too! And R1 was good already.

For 7 points, IMO:

AdvS+Engine > Buzzsaw > HLC

Zoomshuttles are actually very fast ships that can cover a lot of ground quickly. Buzzsaw will do you better than HLC most of them time, and about equal the rest of the time.

Good luck!

sablegryphon is right. On shuttles Buzzsaw is generally better than an HLC. Unless you know that you're gonna be facing B-wings, Falcons, etc.

After the first few turns your just not going to get the shots in with the HLC because it turns like a cow, engine upgrade helps but buzzsaw is the better choice.

doomshuttle!!! (couldn't resist) but that's my personal favorite of the shuttles.

buzzsaw would be the better imo, I also almost never get actions with the shuttle so strong action economy is a major plus.

I've been loving Gunner plus Tactician.

Buzz will give you better results than hlc, I'd wager.

What is doom shuttle look like?

Doom refers to a shuttle carrying Darth Vader. I tend to leave it naked if Vader is aboard.

Doom bus = shuttle with vader crew

Some like it with just vader and nothing else but I quite like to put an engine upgrade on there and just use vader when there is a nice juicy target

If you are having problems with using actions then bring along the advanced sensors.

Always a good upgrade.

HLC + advanced sensors = one point less than the buzzsaw.

Great if you have a wingman or Yorr hanging about

If ever in doubt when it comes to using the good ol space cow one should go SableGryphon hunting as he's the velcro gloves master......

Or to put it more seriously, look up his thread Lambda flight school

thanks for all the responses. buzzsaw it is.

edit-

so here is the list I am putting together around the loaded buzzsaw shuttle

shuttle 34

omicron group pilot 21

fire control sys 2

gunner 5

tactician 2

engine upgrade 4

firespray 33

bounty hunter 33

interceptor 32

soontir fel 27

push the limit 3

targeting computer 2

total 99

not a lot of synergy, just 3 strong ships. fel flanks, the shuttle controls the center and the bounty hunter flies in and out of the fray......

My Flight School posts:

http://community.fantasyflightgames.com/index.php?/topic/98438-flight-school-lambda-101/

http://community.fantasyflightgames.com/index.php?/topic/98558-flight-school-lambda-102-outflying-an-x-wing/

For what it is worth:

Today I won a local (rather small) tournament with 3 naked Shuttles.

Plus Soontir Fel (PTL/Shield) leaving 3 points for an initiatve bid.

Looks great on the table too!

Upgrades are an option. Just sayin'

For what it is worth:

Today I won a local (rather small) tournament with 3 naked Shuttles.

Plus Soontir Fel (PTL/Shield) leaving 3 points for an initiatve bid.

Looks great on the table too!

Upgrades are an option. Just sayin'

Wow that mat is great looking!!!

Where did you get that from??

For what it is worth:

Today I won a local (rather small) tournament with 3 naked Shuttles.

Plus Soontir Fel (PTL/Shield) leaving 3 points for an initiatve bid.

Looks great on the table too!

Upgrades are an option. Just sayin'

Wow that mat is great looking!!!

Where did you get that from??

Not my mat unfortunately. A friend of mine brought this.

He bought it in Trier while on vacation. (lucky git)

We be jelly. All of us.

Those Shuttles are in pain. How could you do that to their wings?!

Those Shuttles are in pain. How could you do that to their wings?!

uh. what?