hello, I was hoping to get some opinions and help with my squad but first I wanna give the full rundown from the beginning. I flew this squad at the Canadian national not really knowing what expect:

Etahn a'baht (32)

Predator (3)

Fire control system (2)

Stealth device (3)

Bandit squadron Pilot (12)

Ion pulse missiles (3)

x2

Bandit squadron pilot (12)

Proton rockets (3)

x2

Total: 100 points

Now the missiles are mostly because I didn't have another z95 but also because the rebel aces just came out so proton rockets were a thing and also I was hoping they would help and they kind of did. I flew Etahn in the middle with 2 z's on each side one of each missile on both sides. What's your opinion on this?

Second, I did the same build with a 5th Z-95 instead of missiles. It would use etahn's ability more and increase the guns shooting right? But now if I run into a Deci range 1 no rockets to shoot 4 dice instead of 3 once and no ionizing it for a turn or 2. I think I could live right cause that could be 1 more crit for that Deci.

Finally, I wanted to make Etahn more defensive cause he seems like the clear choice to shoot first and another green die is more defensive but not reliable. So then I built a third version using the 5th Z.

Etahn a'baht (32)

Sensor jammer (4)

R7 astromech (2)

Bandit squadron pilot (12)

x5

Total: 98 points

Now this got me pumped thinking they'd have a hell of a time shooting at Etahn but then again not really because I'd have to use my action for target lock and with a pilot skill 5 some of the big guys might not be in range for that yet. Also sensor jammer only stops one hit but if they focus it I'm still shot. So the big thing is the elite pilot talent slot. I was originally thinking lone wolf. Because etahn's ability doesn't require him to be near his miniswarm just that they shoot at targets in his arc so lone wolf could still provide rerolls assuming I'm away from them. But then I thought veteran instincts would help with the pilot skill problem a little bit but how often will I see pilot 5 and 6? What are your thoughts on this squad?

Sorry for this being so lengthy and I'm going to apologize for any misspelling and grammatical errors too. Feel free to criticize however you want. Thank you for the help I appreciate it.

My first thought to add defensive capabilities is:

Etahn + PTL + R2 Astromech + Hull/Shield

39/40 pts

PTL will let you turtle up, or stack TL+F, or barrel roll + Action. R2 will let you stay with your squad and take hard turns, and negate some of the downside of PTL. The hull/shield will go a long way in making people upset that they have to waste so many rounds to kill Etahn.

You could also consider R2D2, but if you are swarming up, R2 Astromech probably combos better with PTL.

Predator + Sensor Jammer + R2 Asteomech is another favorite of mine. That lets you get into a jousting war and K Turn with a serious advantage (reroll 1-2 reds, free damage negation), though that is a setup for a different meta I think.

Your setup of:

Sensor Jammer + R7 is actually a neat idea, the more I think about it. However, I think you will get more mileage out of it if you take FCS, allowing for multiple action use without too much issue.

Etahn + Sensor Jammer + R7 + FCS

5 x Z95

100pts

I like it!

Overall, I like the Etahn swarm, and I think I only don't run it due to not enough Z95. If only rebel ships could get Feedback Array though...

Etahn + Sensor Jammer + R7 + FCS

5 x Z95

100pts

I like it!

That would be great, if only the e-wing had 2 system slots! Dropping sensor does allow a shield upgrade though. Or PtL (although you'd have to be careful when to use it so you don't mess up your formation)

Etahn + Sensor Jammer + R7 + FCS

5 x Z95

100pts

I like it!

That would be great, if only the e-wing had 2 system slots! Dropping sensor does allow a shield upgrade though. Or PtL (although you'd have to be careful when to use it so you don't mess up your formation)

Yah...thanks for pointing that out. And now I remember why I always look passed SJ for FCS, only 1 slot...

Am I a fool for having a subconscious that wants something so bad that it actively makes me ignore basic things? Maybe...

As blade_mercurial stated, I'd run FCS + R7 + PTL to make for a VERY difficult to hit ship. You'll just have to run Etahn such that you can pull green moves when wanting to PTL. Ohh, you could also run the focus for a shield droid(I forget name), and it would fit into your current list.

If there was just 1 pt more available, could totally run SJ + R7 + PTL. That would be a neat setup that gives the action economy you need for R7, but alas...

Thanks for the help! And if there was 1 more point I'd love to put predator In there but it is what it is