Prior to Crack shot I liked running 5 Academies and 2 Alphaceptors. Unfortunately that list didn't have space for Holwrunner without giving up a Alphaceptor. Now I think the 7 ship Tie swarm can return and this time with Howlrunner.

4 x Academy Pilot Tie 48

1x Howlrunner w Trick Shot (or a different 0 pt EPT) 18

2 x Black Squad w Swarm Leader 34

100

This swarm is throwing a lot of modded shots, potentially 18 at range 2-3. I think Swarm Leader has the potential to bring back the lowly Academy pilot.

Do you mean the EPT Swarm Leader? It's limited I'm afraid (as is squad leader!)

You posted Squad Leader in the list, but I'm assuming you meant Swarm Leader.

Two 4-dice attacks with a reroll and focus should put damage through. The interesting thing is you shifted the target priority for this swarm off of Howlrunner. I would take Adaptability on the off chance she can make another high PS ace spend a token early, or knock her down to PS7 to block PS8's.

Ugh! Swarm Leader is unique, perhaps for good reason. Back to the drawing board.

In light of discovering Swarm Leader is unique, I'm now thinking something like this:

1 x Howlrunner with crack shot 19

1 x Black Squad with swarm leader 17

4 x Black Squad with snapshot 64

100

Could switch out a snap shot black for Night Beast and give Howlrunner juke. Basic idea is the same, leverage the swarm for any many attack dice as possible.