So, the Aggressor seems like it might round out the Empire's roster of interesting cheap ships, especially in giving a cheap attack upgrade option to cheap bombers like Deathfire. Toolbox builds, anyone? This is my first thought:

"Deathfire" (17)
Extra Munitions (2)
Unguided Rockets (2)
Conner Net (4)
Guidance Chips (0)

Sienar Specialist (17)
Twin Laser Turret (6)
Lightweight Frame (2)

"Countdown" (20)
Targeting Computer (2)
Adaptive Ailerons (0)

"Omega Leader" (21)
Juke (2)
Comm Relay (3)
Twin Ion Engine Mk. II (1)

Total: 99

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

Perhaps some sacrifices could be made to buy OL up to Inq instead, or to buy Deathfire up to Homing or Concussion Missiles. Or maybe he'd be better with Flechettes or Ion Pulse for control. But it does seem like this has a little of everything - reliable damage, spike damage, endgame strength, control.

Has anyone else come up with any interesting Imperial toolbox builds yet? I'm not sure whether the lack of any significant stress imposition options causes them Empire to still be a bit stuffed on this score.

I like the four pocket aces, I run similar four semi-aces from imperial in a series of lists called imperial pick n mix

It's three semi-aces at pilot skill 5 and the inquisitor. They all fill different rolls (I usually have a bomber or SF in there but here is my most recent iteration) e.g countdown is a flanker, Ryad is a jouster, Inquisitor is an ace, Gundark usually jousts or flanks to support Ryad or Countdown. Sometimes deathfires there in lew of Countdown and I implement Howlrunner but I'm enjoying this for now.

You reminded me of this with your list, best of luck I'm definitely looking to get that new tie

I like your list, but since Guidance Chips don't do anything for Deathfire, I'd look into getting him LWF by stripping OLs Engine. Though the frame could also go on Countdown. In that case Deathfire should get LRS for some mods when he can't use the Rockets or if he is at range one.

4 minutes ago, Admiral Deathrain said:

I like your list, but since Guidance Chips don't do anything for Deathfire, I'd look into getting him LWF by stripping OLs Engine. Though the frame could also go on Countdown. In that case Deathfire should get LRS for some mods when he can't use the Rockets or if he is at range one.

Derp, yes. I revised it a little to knocck off TIE Mk2 from OL and stick Flechette onto Deathfire.

And I preser TC to LWF on Countdown. I've used him a few times and as with most strikers just found his damage to be anaemic without rerolls.

3 hours ago, thespaceinvader said:

Derp, yes. I revised it a little to knocck off TIE Mk2 from OL and stick Flechette onto Deathfire.

And I preser TC to LWF on Countdown. I've used him a few times and as with most strikers just found his damage to be anaemic without rerolls.

Well, I forgot TC is a modification I think I'd prefer LWF on Deathfire along with Unguided Rockets over giving him Flechettes. I played them once on him and really didn't like them.

Just now, Admiral Deathrain said:

Well, I forgot TC is a modification I think I'd prefer LWF on Deathfire along with Unguided Rockets over giving him Flechettes. I played them once on him and really didn't like them.

Yeah that would probably be better.

There's a lot of room for flex in it - but I suspect unfortunately that it winds up lacking enough toughness compared to e.g. the PHeaver special from Worlds 2015 that it just gets killed too easily.

I'm game to do some testing though XD

I'm mostly excited by the ion cannon turret platforms since imperials have really had access to that sort of control option before.

Something like Kestal with ion cannon turret, lwf, unguided rockets, and intensity seems like a strong 33 point package to add control and ace hunting at the same time.

7 hours ago, thespaceinvader said:

Has anyone else come up with any interesting Imperial toolbox builds yet? I'm not sure whether the lack of any significant stress imposition options causes them Empire to still be a bit stuffed on this score.

This list has one ship for each of the classic roles, all at pilot skill nine. There's room to fluff it out, especially if you don't mind mixing up the pilot skills.

Lieutenant Kestal (22)
Veteran Instincts (1)
Twin Laser Turret (6)
Lightweight Frame (2)

Soontir Fel (27)
Push the Limit (3)
Autothrusters (2)
Targeting Computer (2)
Royal Guard TIE (0)

"Backdraft" (27)
Veteran Instincts (1)
Fire-Control System (2)
Lightweight Frame (2)
Special Ops Training (0)

Total: 97

View in Yet Another Squad Builder

7 hours ago, Quadjumper King said:

I like the four pocket aces, I run similar four semi-aces from imperial in a series of lists called imperial pick n mix

"Winged Gundark" — TIE Fighter	15
Ship Total: 15

OK...has Winged Gundark done anything with his special ability? There are a number of other pilots at the exact same cost or even 1 cheaper that could be better. I'm thinking Night Beast is nice with his free Focus action. I love all the named Tie Fighter pilots, but.....even I have had a hard time finding use for Winged Gundark.

Ok. Does it really gave any better utility than simply the 25 pt tlt with lwframe?

No? Then it's not a tool box. It's a hammer that smashed everything. Frankly though a tlt boat would be great for imps

16 hours ago, heychadwick said:

OK...has Winged Gundark done anything with his special ability? There are a number of other pilots at the exact same cost or even 1 cheaper that could be better. I'm thinking Night Beast is nice with his free Focus action. I love all the named Tie Fighter pilots, but.....even I have had a hard time finding use for Winged Gundark.

No, but I've flown her for a while and feel obliged to put her there. Also her PS is useful as it puts all the ships other than the inquisitor at PS 5. Given the choice I'd probably run wampa, if I owned him. The only good uses of Winged gundark ive seen have been in Kylo lists. She flys alright and her ability isn't too bad considering. I can't really justify her use

4 hours ago, Quadjumper King said:

No, but I've flown her for a while and feel obliged to put her there. Also her PS is useful as it puts all the ships other than the inquisitor at PS 5. Given the choice I'd probably run wampa, if I owned him. The only good uses of Winged gundark ive seen have been in Kylo lists. She flys alright and her ability isn't too bad considering. I can't really justify her use

Haha! I get it. I like the underdogs. You can look to try Night Beast, though. He's the same price and PS, but you might actually use his ability. He gets his name because he was always sneaking out of the barracks to party.

16 hours ago, heychadwick said:

Haha! I get it. I like the underdogs. You can look to try Night Beast, though. He's the same price and PS, but you might actually use his ability. He gets his name because he was always sneaking out of the barracks to party.

Thanks for the advice , I'll give him a chance to shine.

TIE Aggressor is a nice utility-attack ship that Imperials have been lacking since both Rebels and Scum use Y-wings. Still without knowing that dial we don't know what it can do. You might need to pair it with stress removal if the dials has a lot of red.