I know that this question doesn't matter at all for the rules. I like thinking about fluff though, so I wanted to see what others' opinions were.

I figure they could stand for three fighters each.

They might also stand for a squadron each (12 fighters, usually).

They might also stand for different numbers. Bomber wings could be larger, interceptor wings could be larger, or Imperial wings might be more numerous.

I tend to think that each base probably stands for about the effectiveness of 6 fighters, so that two bases make up a squadron. This makes sense to me for a few reasons:

1. One activation is one squadron (12 fighters).
2. Four bases (24 fighters, or two squadrons) of B-Wings put out 8 black dice. This is a sizeable attack against a capital ship, and can take out a Victory Star Destroyer that has lost its shields in one attack run, or a VSD at full health in two with some lucky rolling. This makes sense to me as an attack group of 24 B-Wings is a huge weapons platform, and is definitely capable of taking on a VSD at this level. Of course, depending on what game or lore you are looking at, the capability of 24 B-Wings can vary widely.
3. A VSD with Two TIE Fighter bases and two TIE Bomber base represents a standard loadout for a VSD (two squadrons of TIEs) and is a reasonable number of points and models.

Anyway, that is my thinking. What about you?

One stand is most likely one squadron. I would guess that they only printed three because it would be much harder to do 12 on one stand.

One stand is most likely one squadron. I would guess that they only printed three because it would be much harder to do 12 on one stand.

I agree with this, plus I'm pretty sure its been mentioned that they are representative of a squadron. Having 12 ships on one base would either make the model too big or each individual fighter so small as to be unrecognisable - FFG have just picked a size and number that looks atheistically pleasing.

That definitely makes sense. I still like the idea that fighters are a little more effective, meaning that there are typically four bases loaded in each VSD and Nebulon B. Maybe I'm just reaching though...

I agree that it probably represents 12, however for when I try and do an X-Wing cross over to simulate the fighter battles I will use a smaller number

It's pretty deliberately vague. I kind of assume its 1 base = 1 squadron based on effectiveness, but then again....if 1 base = 1 flight instead 4 (ships) that would actually exactly equal the correct number of fighters in a VSD for the core set. Meaningless, but interesting...

Still, I think it's a squadron.

Haha. I'm hoping that 1 Base = 1 Squad.

Otherwise that'll be a heck of a lot of fighter expansion sets to buy for your ISDs and Mon Cals!

Don't think I've even thought about budgeting for that!

Haha. I'm hoping that 1 Base = 1 Squad.

Otherwise that'll be a heck of a lot of fighter expansion sets to buy for your ISDs and Mon Cals!

Don't think I've even thought about budgeting for that!

Just......one......more....pack aaaannnndddd their gone!

Rofl! Don't do it, my friend! Don't do it!

Hey guys, an update to the OPs question.

According to the FFG's " Assemble the Fleet " article, it should be one Squadron per base.

Under the "Commander Cards" sub-heading and above the "Define Your Objectives", The image of the VSD with accompanying TIEs is captioned: " A Victory -class Star Destroyer heads to battle, flanked by six TIE fighter squadrons."

Unless that is subject to change?

Hehe.

Hey guys, an update to the OPs question.

According to the FFG's " Assemble the Fleet " article, it should be one Squadron per base.

Under the "Commander Cards" sub-heading and above the "Define Your Objectives", The image of the VSD with accompanying TIEs is captioned: " A Victory -class Star Destroyer heads to battle, flanked by six TIE fighter squadrons."

Unless that is subject to change?

Hehe.

Thanks for the link! I thought so. It definitely makes sense. I just really like the idea of fighters being more effective than they are...