My brother and I are currently trying to reimagine viable bomber oriented fleets for both factions. Although we have come up with a number of ideas, there are a few changes in the recent waves that may hinder the effectiveness of bombers. We'd appreciate any input, especially player experience with playing and fighting against these fleets, as my own time for testing these things is quite limited at the time being.
Our point of departure for these fleets is that in order to have an 'effective' bombering fleet, a carrier is obviously required. Luckily, there various options for both factions. Then, a proper combination of bombers and non-bombers is required, meaning that intel is critical to include and perhaps also squadrons that may engage enemy fighters (1-2 Escort squadrons). Lastly, a secondary threat is also needed so that the fleet can win even if the bombers are tied up by the enemy (this typically includes an Admonition with Ordnance Experts and Assault Proton Torpedoes in my case). Needless to say, a couple of flotillas are always present to supply tokens via Comms Net and rerolls through Bomber Command Center.
Now, the changes that have occurred can be reasonably summarised with one word: Sloane. Sloane dominated the last tournament that we attended. These lists, in our context, typically include a significant air superiority force that is capable of swiftly removing intel from the enemy, thus tying potential threats to capital ships up and nullifying that threat.
Therefore, we continue ponder whether 'old-fashioned' bomber lists can effectively prevail in a fighter heavy environment and how to adequately address the threat that fighters currently pose to bomber lists.
