I saw the preview. Could they be competitive in the near future?

You're talking about all the named pilots together? My guess is no, but it all depends on just how good ONE of the aces turn out to be. If Fenn Rau or Old Teroch are as good as they seem right now, three Fangs might just become a thing. I think two Fang aces plus a support/tank ship would be a little better though, just to get rid of some of the probability issues you will have with 12 hp behind 3 green dice. I'm working on a Fenn Rau, Old Teroch, Manaroo list right now. But I am really liking the Fang so far so I probably will try having three in a list!

We don't know; we don't even k is the wave 9 meta

My guess, though, is Nero

Too much dice, not enough bumpmaster feedback manny helping out two fang aces

It is difficult to say. I would imagine the generic aces ad Fenn Rau will see some serious play, but the PS 1 and other named pilots are a little weak.

I think that the Concord Dawn Ace will go the way of the Royal Guard Pilot - seemingly useful, but just never measuring up in battle. Here's my take on them:

3 x Concord Dawn Ace (23)

Predator (3)

Autothrusters (2)

Binayre Pilot (12)

Cluster Missiles (4)

Guidance Chips (0)

Total: 100 points.

The 3 aces hit heavily, but rely on serious arc dodging work to stay alive. I'm not sure about them yet. I suspect that some unrevealed card will boost their potential.

Fenn Rau shows promise:

Fenn Rau (28)

Expose (4)

Experimental Interface (3)

Concord Dawn Protector (1)

Manaroo (27)

Push The Limit (3)

Recon Specialist (3)

Talonbane Cobra (28)

Veteran Instincts (1)

Cloaking Device (2)

Total: 100 pints.

This gives you a lot of flexibility in your defense each round. Note that this list becomes immediately awful if/when we find out the Protectorate Starfighter doesn't have green 2 hard turns. Manaroo is there for support, as its ability allow whomever is in greater danger to be buffed by 2 focus tokens and a target lock each turn. Talonbane Cobra is the ace hunter of the list, as cloaking device gives the Kihraxz fighter a modicum of maneuverability. 5 dice at range 1 is nothing to scoff at.

The hero of the list is Fenn Rau however. As Concord Dawn Protector doesn't have any kind of "once per round" limit, he can confidently fly into the face of any swarm and, using his 3 focus tokens, target lock and 6 attack die primary weapon attack, proceed to outright destroy or seriously damage any one ship, each round. Talonbane should be in the wings weakening targets for Fenn to finish off.

I'm not sure how competitive this is, given the fragile nature of both the Protectorate Starfighter and green dice, but if you can take out 1/3 of a crack shot swarm before it shoots, or reduce Dengar down to hull on the first pass, you've got a good chance.

Fenn Rau's ability work's out of arc unlike the others so I think we might see that one get played in tournaments.

Kad Solus might see some play depending on the greens on the dial.

Depends hugely on the dial. I expect two of them plus a ship to shore up their weaknesses will be better than 3 of them.

I could imagine Fenn & Taroch with Manaroo supporting.

depends on the future meta

Terry isn't a hardcounter because he's too specific to qualify (named pilot and scum only), but he is your best bet (sans Palob) against torp scouts and Dengaroo (need a bid v dengar so you can trigger his ability after manaroo, unless you're gunning for manaroo first)

in a more general atmosphere, Solus could end up being more useful overall