Omicron Group Pilot (21pts) plus Heavy Laser Cannon (7pts).

28pts total. Not too bad. Or is it?

1) Is this combo viable in a competitive 100pt squad?

2) Is HLC better on another shuttle pilot?

3) If shuttle + HLC is viable what support ships/upgrades would you use with the remaining 72pts? [edit]

I think the combo is cheap but not really worth it. I still need to play some more games with the shuttle but I'm not overly keen on the movement dial.

This could work if you could fill the 79pts with ships that your opponent will want to target first. You could try to keep your opponents ships on the opposite side of the board just so you can get a few long range shots off with the HLC.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, NO!

Ha all no's aside, I don't like the HLC on the shuttle. Once you are out of the fight it is extremely hard to get back in it. Those 7 points fit much better on a BH who can compliment such upgrades and stay with other craft.

My issue with the HLC on the firespray, is that thanks to the rear arc, you often have to decide if you want to k turn so you can shoot your HLC, or move normally and use the rear fire arc.

I've considered the shuttle with cannon as its 11 points cheaper then the firespray with the cannon, but am yet to try it out more then once

This list is unbeaten (4 wins 0 defeat) in the ongoing Team Covenant vassal tournament #3:

Captain Yorr + Advanced Sensors + HLC + Rebel Captive + ST-321 + Engine Upgrade (44 pts)

Saber squadron + PTL + shield upgrade x2 (28 pts each)

total: 100

You really have to think about how you use your ships, though. The Saber have to push their survivability as high as possible by stacking F+E in every risky turn and/or get out of arcs. With Adv Sensors, you can squeeze out a 2nd HLC shot before having to either use Yorr as a blocking device before the long turn around, which is almost half-shortened by engine upgrade. Not for beginners.

72 points, not 79. You forgot to deduct the HLC from the 100 points

That being said, the Shuttle has an option akin to the K-turn that is very useful: the full stop. Use it to keep folks in your firing arc by refusing to move your firing arc.

The HLC on the shuttle may be more useful with Advanced Sensors and Engine Upgrades, allowing you to boost and then do your red 2 turn in a single turn, aiding your maneuverability greatly.

That being said, with the full-stop instead of a K-turn, the Ion Cannon would actually be better, as you'd force them to stay in your arc to be eaten by other ships.

I'd say yes. In the games where I've faced a shuttle, the only time its been a factor at all is when they've had HLC and were used as combat ships. The ability to get into long range, then do the red 0 really helps them.

11pt difference should be huge for the same firepower and similar staying power. It's all about space management.