So, I was looking at swarm-based fleet and had the following thought:

"****, the same number of ships come up an awful lot"

So I was able to break down all of the following ships into the following groupings, based entirely on how many of their cheapest version you could fit in a 100 point fleet.

8

Tie Fighters

6

Tie Bombers

HWK-290s (technically)

5

A-Wings
Y-Wings

HWK-290s (because you'll never fly one without a turret)

Tie Interceptors

4
B-Wings

X-Wings

Tie Advanceds
Lambda-Class Shuttle

3

YT-1300s
Firespray-31s

2
Named YT-1300s (differences in stats other than pilot skill count as a different ship to me).

No question, just an observation from a logic-starved mind. I'll probably use it to educate my homespun X-Wing based RPG, though.

The same goes for bombers as does for HWK though. There's no point if it has got no ordnance.

The same goes for bombers as does for HWK though. There's no point if it has got no ordnance.

Actually, I dissagree, TIE Bombers are a pretty good deal even without any bombs, torpedoes, or missiles. I usually fly Jonus w/out anything, sure his wingmen have two missiles each, but you don't need them.

It's like the Y-wing, I usually give it ion turret, but it isn't a requirement

I would agree Bombers aren't that awful naked, They are still tough and have a decent dial.

I've actually had quite a bit more success with Bombers without giving them a single missile or torpedo. A single bomb each, and they nestle right into blended swarm fleets quite handily. Since they're worth a few more points than my Academy Ties, they tend to get focused, soaking up lots of damage while my entire fleet pours laser-fire up the attackers' respective tailpipes. If you can get your opponent to reliably shoot at your most survivable ship, you've gotten yourself a huge advantage.

They've got astonishing tankiness, good maneuverability in the form of a dial with 1 and 5 maneuvers, and natural target-locking. Who needs ordnance?

I guess I'll have to try that. I always get upset about the two attack dice

I guess I'll have to try that. I always get upset about the two attack dice

You shouldnt, time again tie/f based swarms have won tournaments rolling two attack dice 6-7 times everyturn. Mixing in a bomber or 2 with t/f just increases your survivability since people tend to shoot at them first.