They work pretty well as a swarm. You can run 6 naked scimitars and have 4 points to siege on missiles our something for one of them. 6 hull is nothing to scoff at so they will go down a lot slower than your opponent is thinking.
Just curious, does anyone use TIE bombers?
@eagletsi111
not sure on the points, don't know how they calculate them. but my intention for number 1 is for all ships, and number 2 bomber only.
if I were to guess, I would say 2 points for number 1 and 4-5 points for number 2 (its actually very powerful if you think about it)
number 1 is intended to make ordnance a more viable option for all ships.
I would change it, so the target lock is only available for Ordinance, otherwise everyone will use it for just getting TL for free.
ahhh, that's a good idea.
I read DarkHorse's post about Tie Bombers and how he uses them with Seismic Charges. I had been thinking about Bombers and using them as a ordnance platform to blast the larger ships that I knew would be all over the place. They key would be using Jonus, of course. So, I read his article and it turns the Bombers into more than a one trick pony.
Jonus w/ Homing Missile, Seismic Charges, Hull Upgrade
2 x Scimitar Squadron w/ Assault Missiles, and Seismic Charges
1 x Scimitar Squadron w/ Proton Torpedo, and Seismic Charges
The approach is the tricky part. Look like you want to be just barely in range 3 to shoot...which is where he will want to be. You go first, so you won't have TL. Then, you boost forward as far as you can to grab Target Locks. Survive the first round of fire, drop your bombs, and 5 K-turn. If they few in formation and you were close enough, they will have a hard time getting out of the way. Then, you fire your ordnance.
Assault Missiles are good for swarms, but still roll 4 dice damage for just a point more. The Proton Torpedo has the chance of getting a critical hit when all the rest have fired. Best used on the large ships. Jonus can't use his own ability, so he needs the Homing Missile.
I've only tried it a bit and I'm learning. It's hard, but I think it's do-able. The whole problem with ordnance is that you don't get any re-rolls for those expensive shots. Jonus gives them. The bombs add an extra dimension for the close up fight. If you can get enemy in the middle of the bombs, they are toast. I've roasted untouched Z-95's that way before.
Edited by heychadwickThe bomber's fine, it's ordnance that needs help. Give it decent ordnance and it's a beast.
@TIE Pilot
that's the whole point, is the bomber worth taking naked? or would a change to ordnance bring more bombers to the table?
The answer really isn't titles or modifications to bombers, ordinance needs fixing not just for one ship but for all.
The bomber's fine, it's ordnance that needs help. Give it decent ordnance and it's a beast.
I accept that the earlier ordnance is too expensive, but I'm not sure about the more recent missiles and torpedoes.
Also, I don't think they are going to do a blanket fix for ordnance in general, so I don't spend my scarce brain cells on that question.
Also, these threads seem to devolve into fix that/nerf this proposals that'll never see the light of day.
If someone wants to give TIE Bomber tactical and building tips, that at least seems useful.
may I suggest a simple fix?
2 options in mind:
1- ship modification = Long range target lock, allows you to acquire a target lock on any ship in your firing arc no matter the range.(within your arc to make it different than the shuttle unique)
2- a bomber only modification = auto targeting computer, if you do not have a blue target lock token on your ship, you may immediately acquire a target lock on your target before you roll the attack dice.
I like the first one.
Or how about:
Ordnance package
T.I.E bomber only
3pt(4pt?) modification
When you would discard a [torpedo] or [missile] weapon card, place that card on this modification instead.
Any card on this modification can be played as normal but are discarded after use.
Just used my list on Oicunn last night for a fun game.
rymer, Protons, Clusters, Push, Prox Mines, Failsafe
Jonus, Protons, Ion Pulse, Push, Seismic Charges, Failsafe
Academy Pilot
Academy Pilot
He charged forward trying to get close and ram as well as block shot using tactical jammer. He had Mara, bombs, and gunner. plus some Ion torps. I think he had VI and dauntless too.
I moved up and used focus and push to lock on with Rymer and Jonus, Rymer Fired first with Clusters, He was at range 3. I use Rymer to increase range of Clusters to 3. I roll 2 hits and focus. I reroll with Jonus and hit, 3 hits on Oicun. Then second shot, 1 hits, 2 focus. I spend my focus 3 more hits. 6 total to Oicunn. 4 shield and 2 hull gone. Jonus focus and push also. He fires protons next. 4 dice 1 critical, 1 hit and 1 focus, I turn 1 hit to a crit and spends focus to get another hit. so 3 more hull and a 2 critical hits. He flips the Crit Direct hit, 2 more damage, 2nd crit Injured Pilot. So no ramming!
So after two of my ships fired, He had only 6 hull remaining. It was an awesome turn of shooting!!!
My best ever!
He was so upset, he made mistakes with the rest of his squad. After another turn I took his decimator nearly dead and dropped a prox mine, and Jonus hit him with Ion, so he was going to move ontop of it next turn.
He quit!
I know he won't underestimate bombers anymore 
Edited by eagletsi111
I like using them as target lock goons with Vessery. I have played against a list with 2 scimitars, Vessery, and Carnor with some upgrades splashed around on Vess and Jax. It makes for a nasty furball if properly set up.
I have tried to use vessery myself, but it's just too many points and target locking now more than ever has to come from a Higher pilot skill. With Vessery I used Swarm tactics and two scimitars, but even so they move so early, then don't get the lock bonus that Rhymer and Jonus do. Thus, they cannot choose their targets easily.
I frequently fly a Vessery-Echo-Gamma list. I usually give the Gamma a couple of Flechette torpedoes, just to make the Gamma a more interesting target. The Gamma is my sacrificial ship, and it's been surprising how often it works. The six hull gives it a longer life, especially with some good defense rolling, and it allows my heavy hitters to get around the edges.
Really? Even with all the big ships in play. I find Flectette Torps are just not worth it, since sometimes you only face big ships with more than 4 hull. So I feel like I wasted points on them.
I have tried to use vessery myself, but it's just too many points and target locking now more than ever has to come from a Higher pilot skill.
Don't give him the HLC. Sure, it's great, but it's too many points. He does fine without it.
The answer really isn't titles or modifications to bombers, ordinance needs fixing not just for one ship but for all.
The bomber's fine, it's ordnance that needs help. Give it decent ordnance and it's a beast.
I accept that the earlier ordnance is too expensive, but I'm not sure about the more recent missiles and torpedoes.
Also, I don't think they are going to do a blanket fix for ordnance in general, so I don't spend my scarce brain cells on that question.
Also, these threads seem to devolve into fix that/nerf this proposals that'll never see the light of day.
If someone wants to give TIE Bomber tactical and building tips, that at least seems useful.
In that case I would recommend to read the article by Darkhorse, I believe. But I just can't find it again... :-(
One of the list ideas I am considering (before settling on a list that actually has a bomber) for a tournament was 4 scimitar 2 alpha. Tanky build, bombers go in first, ceptors flank.
The list I intend to try out for a tournament is 2 Delta/ion, Backstarber and a scimitar/flachette.
Ordnance needs more improvement, but bombers are still fine, tanky ships.
In that case I would recommend to read the article by Darkhorse, I believe. But I just can't find it again... :-(
I bookmarked it due to pure awesomeness:
I just acquired a few Scimitar AAs so I should probably buy a TIE Bomber expansion at some point.
You don't got 4 bombers already?
How dare you!
I remember hearing that somebody did well at Worlds with 4 Bombers each with Prox mines and a Doom Shuttle. Prox mines were recently ruled to detonate immediately if they overlap an enemy ship when you place the token down, so it's kind of like getting an extra attack during your action phase through a rear arc at range 1 that the opponent can't defend against. It's a really good way to counter Phantoms, since you know where they're going to be during your activation phase and you completely ignore their 4 defense dice.
Personally, I can really only justify bombers as either prox mine or ion pulse carriers (not so much the latter thanks to low PS TL issues)
Prox mines are hilariously potent given the ubiquitous phantoms, though, since it punches right through their maneuverability and 4 green dice. The hard part is finding a matching anti-turret ship, since 19 points per 2 dice don't cut it even with 6 hull.
Edited by ficklegreendicemay I suggest a simple fix?
2 options in mind:
1- ship modification = Long range target lock, allows you to acquire a target lock on any ship in your firing arc no matter the range.(within your arc to make it different than the shuttle unique)
2- a bomber only modification = auto targeting computer, if you do not have a blue target lock token on your ship, you may immediately acquire a target lock on your target before you roll the attack dice.
Option 1 is called Colonel Jandon with ST-321 title. 
Tvboy, I think that was SableGryphon from our board here..
I do use bombers now and again, I like either 5 scimitars with prox mines and a proton bomb, or something fun like that, I also like using Jonus with 3 scimitars and some ordnance..
Probably gonna run a couple bomber lists this week, as I may use it in the next tourney I go to. I wanna figure a good list with cluster missiles, and some prox mines for fun. Maybe toss in a couple of TIEs for fun, maybe black squad with intimidation.
I'll have to see what works, maybe Jonus and another bomber with the TIEs.. could be fun... could get my butt handed to me.. lol
I accept that the earlier ordnance is too expensive, but I'm not sure about the more recent missiles and torpedoes.
Also, I don't think they are going to do a blanket fix for ordnance in general, so I don't spend my scarce brain cells on that question.Also, these threads seem to devolve into fix that/nerf this proposals that'll never see the light of day.
If someone wants to give TIE Bomber tactical and building tips, that at least seems useful.
In that case I would recommend to read the article by Darkhorse, I believe. But I just can't find it again... :-(
I bookmarked it due to pure awesomeness:
Yes, indeed. It's a great article, and much more useful that all the 'fix' suggestions.
Bombers are a type of ship that have somewhat of a learning curve to them. I think that climbing that curve is worth it in terms of being able to fly something that comes out of left field, and then poops out a nice little seismic charge leave your opponent thinking.
It's not easy street, and it's not a top tournament winner. Still, with all the ordnance options and the low cost, it's a ship that can be used in a lot of different ways to a lot of different effects.
Yesterday I had some great games with my latest bomber build, which I think is pretty well aimed at both a Fat Han or Phantom list. (Un)fortunately, all my matches have been casual and people have not been flying their tournament lists for me to really find out how good it really is.