The fluff for Ace: Gunner mentions they use hand-to-hand combat. Was there ever an update that gave the class brawl or melee?

Updates? For a specialization?

Generally, though, any fluff takes secondary importance to mechanics.

Ace Gunner? Melee or Brawl?

An Ace Gunner does not need these things!

But seriously, make friends with a Tank.

We're running an EotE game but the GM is allowing AoR classes as well. I wanted to make a Transporter type character that could drive, use ranged heavy/gunnery and fight with his hands too. Suggestions?

33 minutes ago, Lukey84 said:

We're running an EotE game but the GM is allowing AoR classes as well. I wanted to make a Transporter type character that could drive, use ranged heavy/gunnery and fight with his hands too. Suggestions?

Your GM should allow any spec from any book. But... just buy ranks in Melee or Brawl. Nothing says you can't. Yes... it's 5XP more than if it's a career skill but that's a small price to pay. Just... be good at it. I have a pilot that wanted to be good with a sword... so he is. Just do it

Sounds more like Bounty Hunter/Operator to me.

Yes - it would be Martial Artist / Operator vs Hotshot / Gunner. I want to be able to use brawl, ranged heavy and piloting.

Check the Recruit tree as well. That should help open more options for you.