We've all noticed the actual cannons mounted on the rear of the Shuttle model and bemoaned the lack of maneuverability and a rear arc. Would a 5 point Cannon that fires out of arc only, with range 1-3, 2 red dice and allowing for range bonuses possibly help make the shuttle more competitive without breaking the game?

Since that's basically a 3 point "dorsal turret" with 2 points to put it on a ship where it doesn't belong, I wouldn't complain about you bringing it in a friendly game.

That said I think shuttles are fine. Not "pillars of the meta" but far from bad.

The Anti-pursuit lasers were the modification representing the weapons on it instead of a rear firing arc.

The weapon itself is a twin blaster, which is weaker than the dual twin lasers mounted on the front. There are also dual twin blasters mounted on the front as well. 3 dice seems kind of tame for the amount of destruction the Lambda should be able to put out.

The Anti-pursuit lasers were the modification representing the weapons on it instead of a rear firing arc.

The weapon itself is a twin blaster, which is weaker than the dual twin lasers mounted on the front. There are also dual twin blasters mounted on the front as well. 3 dice seems kind of tame for the amount of destruction the Lambda should be able to put out.

My key thinking is that if you had a way to shoot out of arc, it makes the shuttle more competitive and makes up for the really poor dial.

Besides, would the Emporer really fly around in a ship with no rear arc?

The lambda shuttles lack of manoueverability is reflective in is absurdly high jousting value and extremely low points cost. It absolutely does not need any kind of fix. It's a difficult ship to fly granted but yhe damage or support it can provide for its price tag put it in a great position already

If you want to create an "Advanced" X-Wing which is closer lore wise - let me know I'm interested

FFG's X-Wing is to create a simple, abstract game - as much as they can they do stick to the lore but sometimes it's off and their no errata / no reprint policy prevents them from changing stuff once they have printed it.

The Anti-pursuit lasers were the modification representing the weapons on it instead of a rear firing arc.

The weapon itself is a twin blaster, which is weaker than the dual twin lasers mounted on the front. There are also dual twin blasters mounted on the front as well. 3 dice seems kind of tame for the amount of destruction the Lambda should be able to put out.

APL is fairly weak and requires an overlap.

My key thinking is that if you had a way to shoot out of arc, it makes the shuttle more competitive and makes up for the really poor dial.

Besides, would the Emporer really fly around in a ship with no rear arc?

The Emperor's shuttle was modified for luxury travel. The shuttle was durable, and the Emperor would usually have an escort of some of the best pilots in the galaxy, and the Royal Guards were force sensitive.