I've been flying (and doing well with) an Imperial 5-ship list with Vader (no engine) flying in formation with Howlrunner and three BSPs, and all five ships have Crack Shot. Howlrunner has a Shield Upgrade -- she's about the only ship I'd consider it on, but it's nice to have the extra protection on such an important, fragile ship.

I was thinking, though, that since I already don't have an engine on Vader, maybe I could be a little more aggressive and drop Howl's shield for Homing Missiles and Guidance Chips on Vader. With focus, chips, and ATC, he'd have a 74% chance of 5 hits/crits, plus Crack Shot to help them get through.

Assuming he spends his focus on offense, that would leave him defenseless, though. Maybe not such a bad thing since Howlrunner next to him may still be the more attractive target.

Darth Vader + Homing Missiles + Guidance Chips + Crack Shot + ATC + TIE/x1 (36)

Howlrunner + Crack Shot (19)

Black Squadron Pilot + Crack Shot (15)

Black Squadron Pilot + Crack Shot (15)

Black Squadron Pilot + Crack Shot (15)

Total: 100

ATC applies to primary weapon attacks only, so no adding that crit.

Personally I would prefer engine on Vader, but I think that's why he is such a good pilot, there's plenty of room for tinkering around with what you personally want to try, he isn't locked into a build like our friend Soontir for example. I actually took him to a recent tourney ultra slim (only title and ATC for 30 points) and he helped me finish in third place

ATC applies to primary weapon attacks only, so no adding that crit.

Ah, so it does. So much for that idea. Without ATC it's really just one extra red die compared to his primary. Same for Proton Rockets, actually (3 dice primary + ATC vs 5 dice) though I wouldn't want range 1 ordnance without the Engine Upgrade to make sure I can use it.

I do like skinny Vader as part of a swarm -- he's a very efficient jouster, especially next to Howlrunner -- though his lack of hard 1 turns makes formation flying a bit awkward.

Shield Upgrade on Howlrunner is okay, but I'm still looking for other options. Without being able to use ATC, Homing Missiles probably aren't an improvement.