Darth Vader 29

ATC 1

Ion Pulse Missile 3

Engine Upgrade 4

Lone Wolf 2

39

2x

Gamma Squadron Pilot 18

Expanded Munitions 2

Seismic Charges 2

Proton Torpedoes 4

Cluster Missiles 4

60

Bombers do their best to remove the biggest threat to Vader, Vader cleans up.

I like the idea. Vader w/ Ion pulse missile can help the bombers against a big fat turret with engine. PS4 Might just be enough in the new twin laser turret meta...

The only concern I have is with 6 hull, twin laser turrets will destroy one bomber before it gets to shoot more than 1 maybe 2 ordnance. The second bomber will do better, but since Vader can't equip autothrusters, he might struggle against the turrets once both bombers are gone (depending on how many are left). But maybe not, again, PS4 helps there.

I've been thinking that a pair of Royal Guards with Push, title, autos & hull will pair well with Vader. Or up it to shield upgrade and give Vader veteran instincts. Ion pulse missiles are less important with the royals, so I'd go with proton rockets on Vader (especially at PS11, there's no way he won't get to fire!)

Would ordnance-equipped Storm Squad Advanceds work better as the alpha-strikers to go along with Vader? Go w/ Cluster + AC to get rid of fat turrets, or Concussions if you need to get hits in at longer range. Afterwards you still have pretty respectable fighters to help Vader.

It's not a hard enough alpha strike IMO. Needing two rounds of fire to reasonably accomplish what a solid alpha strike will be. Ever since glitterstim was revealed I have been waiting patiently for 3 scum glitter concusion Zs plus. The damage output of two gammas is not anywhere near reliable enough for an "alpha" strike.

I think Storms don't generate damage over several turns that the bombers do, but there's a strong argument to be made that they're still the better choice.

This might be a wave 8 list. Drop Vader's Missile For Thread Tracers to light up a target first turn and let loose with the warheads.