So there are a few versions of this build I've come up with. Conceptually it's very simple, use a squad of Tie Bombers to destroy a TLT spam squadron of Y-wings or Hwks. The build relies on CPT Jonus to pass TLs to the other bombers with thread tracers and also to give them rerolls. This lets the other bombers use their actions to focus and reliably get damage through on their targets.
Here are the builds I've come up with, these all need play testing obviously.
Build 1:
Assault bombers 1 (98)
Captain Jonus (26)
Determination (1), XX-23 S-Thread Tracers (1), XX-23 S-Thread Tracers (1), Munitions Failsafe (1)
Scimitar Squadron Pilot (24)
Assault Missiles (5), Extra Munitions (2), Munitions Failsafe (1)
Scimitar Squadron Pilot (24)
Assault Missiles (5), Extra Munitions (2), Munitions Failsafe (1)
Scimitar Squadron Pilot (24)
Assault Missiles (5), Extra Munitions (2), Munitions Failsafe (1)
Fly in a line abreast straight at the enemy. Your opponent will be eating a 12 damage alpha strike twice with 3 splash damage each time, which should go a long way towards discouraging tight formations. The list is 98 points to PS bid and ensure your PS2 Scimitars fire before your opponent's PS2 Golds/Thugs.
This list has a lot of firepower and a fair amount of staying power with 24 hit points. Jonus is the weak link, hence him having determination. Alternatively swarm tactics or veterans instincts could help against non-TLT spam builds. Even vs builds with a smaller ship count no one likes eating 3 assault missiles with all those rerolls.
Build 2:
Assault bombers 2 (98)
Captain Jonus (29)
Determination (1), XX-23 S-Thread Tracers (1), XX-23 S-Thread Tracers (1), Shield Upgrade (4)
Scimitar Squadron Pilot (23)
Assault Missiles (5), Extra Munitions (2)
Scimitar Squadron Pilot (23)
Assault Missiles (5), Extra Munitions (2)
Scimitar Squadron Pilot (23)
Assault Missiles (5), Extra Munitions (2)
This build is very similar to the first but makes Jonus more survivable with a shield upgrade. With all the rerolls this list has it's not 100% vital to have munitions fail safe as you will usually hit what you shoot at.
Build 3:
Assault bombers with escort 1 (99)
Captain Jonus (25)
Determination (1), XX-23 S-Thread Tracers (1), XX-23 S-Thread Tracers (1)
Scimitar Squadron Pilot (22)
Concussion Missiles (4), Extra Munitions (2)
Scimitar Squadron Pilot (22)
Concussion Missiles (4), Extra Munitions (2)
Black Squadron Pilot (15)
Draw Their Fire (1)
Black Squadron Pilot (15)
Draw Their Fire (1)
The downside of this list is that you have to downgrade the assault missiles into concussions missiles and you lose one bomber. BUT you gain two black squadrons with draw their fire to help with damage mitigation. This is less optimal vs TLT spam as they wont be doing many crits so draw their fire won't get triggered much, but it's more flexible vs a wider range of lists.
Assault bombers with escort 2 (99)
Captain Jonus (25)
Determination (1), XX-23 S-Thread Tracers (1), XX-23 S-Thread Tracers (1)
Scimitar Squadron Pilot (22)
Concussion Missiles (4), Extra Munitions (2)
Scimitar Squadron Pilot (22)
Concussion Missiles (4), Extra Munitions (2)
Epsilon Squadron Pilot (15)
Epsilon Squadron Pilot (15)
This final version I feel is better as the Tie/FOs provide you with blockers to gum up the enemy's formation and to deny actions as well as to provide distracting targets.
I'll be trying out all of these lists, they should be fun to play and each one can reliably drop a Y-wing a turn with average dice. The assault missile version is VERY powerful vs a thug life list flown in formation, if you hit with everything you will have killed 2 Y-wings in 2 rounds and the others will be at 2 hull points, at least in a perfectly executed situation. The concussion missile versions are more flexible and will perform better vs a wider range of opponents, and it isn't hampered if your opponent breaks up his formation.
What do you guys think?