Latest Ordnance band-aid: Long Range Scanners

By Babaganoosh, in X-Wing

Long Range Scanners helps the humble Tie Bombers back to the table.

It don't give that much to Tie Punishers, because they like FCS ... but of course you can utilize AC + RLS as well if you feel it.

These will work nicely paired with the Gamma Squadron Veterans; that elite pilot talent slot can be filled with Deadeye.

Very good catch!! Love it!!!

It may force bombers to fly in patterns that simulate "bombing runs," because after spending a token, they have to fly out out to range 3 before you can target lock again. This could make you fairly predictable. But immersive!

Edited by Vulf

It's an argument in favour of 'single load' ordnance, I guess. Extra Munitions is a cheap second shot, but it may be easier to stick with one volley.

A pure bomber force is still going to have problems if they've only got one salvo in the tubes - even a homing missile is not a guaranteed hit, for example, and there are ways to break off that target lock at the wrong moment (countermeasures, for example)

As a supporting element of a combined fighter/bomber force, though, they're great; say.....two bombers with assault missiles and LRS, and three or four TIE fighters?

I don't think it's too hard to get another TL for Tie Bombers (not sure on the others). They have a 5 K-turn, which is great to put some distance. You do your firing....usually at R2, and then K-turn behind everyone. Do a 1 straight to clear stress and grab the TL at R3 at that point.

I don't see a problem with high PS pilots. When they do their move, they might be at R3 at that point if they picked well. It all depends. Actually, I think of Tomax Bren (new pilot) that lets you keep your discard EPT. Go with Adrenaline Rush! He can do his K-turns all day and still grab the TL.

If you go with Homing Missiles, you MIGHT get to keep your TL after you shoot. Personally, I would probably use it even to turn 1 blank into a hit, but at least now you will have a Focus to turn dice. That will increase the chance of not needing the TL. It makes it easier to use again.

I will also point out that people who will want to get in R 1-2 of you (aka Donut Hole) will just be easier to drop Seismic Charges on. Well, drop them and have them land on. Even today, people forget about them. I managed to get a Poe to land on 4 of them a month ago.