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Stealth bombers, often referred to simply as "bombers", represent a captivating subclass of [[Frigate|frigate]]. Equipped with [[Cloaking|Covert Ops Cloaking Devices]], stealth bombers can traverse systems while being undetectable to [[Directional_scanning|directional scanners]] or [[Probe_scanning|combat probes]]. When bombers choose to engage targets, they use battleship-sized [[Missiles|torpedo launchers]] or [[Bombs|bomb launchers]] to inflict massive damage. Stealth bombers can operate in several roles; they are a strong roaming solo ship, useful in mixed fleets as scout or combat ship, and can operate in dedicated bomber fleets using hit and run tactics. | Stealth bombers, often referred to simply as "bombers", represent a captivating subclass of [[Frigate|frigate]]. Equipped with [[Cloaking|Covert Ops Cloaking Devices]], stealth bombers can traverse systems while being undetectable to [[Directional_scanning|directional scanners]] or [[Probe_scanning|combat probes]]. When bombers choose to engage targets, they use battleship-sized [[Missiles|torpedo launchers]] or [[Bombs|bomb launchers]] to inflict massive damage. Stealth bombers can operate in several roles; they are a strong roaming solo ship, useful in mixed fleets as scout or combat ship, and can operate in dedicated bomber fleets using hit and run tactics. | ||
In exchange for these advantages, stealth bombers | In exchange for these advantages, stealth bombers are glass cannons with weak [[Tanking|tank]] and slow base align-to-warp time. Torpedos are most effective against [[Battleships|battleships]], less effective against [[Cruisers|cruisers]], and struggle to apply damage to enemy combat frigates. Stealth bombers also have high skill requirements to fly effectively due to tight fitting requirements. | ||
This combination of attributes makes every uncloaked moment for stealth bombers a high-stakes encounter, both for the pilots and their adversaries. | This combination of attributes makes every uncloaked moment for stealth bombers a high-stakes encounter, both for the pilots and their adversaries. | ||
== Stealth Bomber Comparison == | == Stealth Bomber Comparison == | ||
There are 5 stealth bombers, 1 for each race and the limited edition {{sh|Virtuoso}}. As the Virtuoso is extremely rare and valuable, it is not typically used and is | There are 5 stealth bombers, 1 for each race and the limited edition {{sh|Virtuoso}}. As the Virtuoso is extremely rare and valuable, it is not typically used and is omitted from normal stealth bomber discussion. | ||
=== Attributes === | === Attributes === | ||
The four racial stealth bombers have minor differences in their base attributes, generally following the typical racial differences. The Minmatar ship is the fastest, the Amarr ship has the strongest armor, | The four racial stealth bombers have minor differences in their base attributes, generally following the typical racial differences. The Minmatar ship is the fastest, the Amarr ship has the strongest armor, the Caldari has the strongest shields, etc. Cargo capacity, base align time, targeting range, and other attributes all differ as well but none are major enough to warrant discussion. | ||
The main consideration in picking a stealth bomber are the fitting differences in CPU, powergrid, and mid- and low- slot count. The Manticore is the easiest to fit with its high CPU and the Purifier is hardest with the lowest CPU. The damage type is typically not relevant to picking a stealth bomber. | |||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
|- | |||
! Name !! Damage Type !! CPU !! Powergrid !! High Slots !! Mid Slots !! Low Slots | |||
|- | |||
| {{sh|Hound}} || {{Co|#f8e97c|Explosive}} || 310 || 40 || 5 || 3 || 3 | |||
|- | |||
| {{sh|Manticore}} || {{Co|#73dc76|Kinetic}} || 330 || 38 || 5 || 4 || 2 | |||
|- | |||
| {{sh|Nemesis}} || {{Co|#fa8d84|Thermal}} || 315 || 38 || 5 || 4 || 2 | |||
|- | |||
| {{sh|Purifier}} || {{Co|#71c4f8|EM}} || 305 || 45 || 5 || 3 || 3 | |||
|} | |||
=== Bonuses === | === Bonuses === | ||
All stealth bombers have the following bonuses, differing only in the damage type of the torpedo and bomb bonuses: | |||
==== Role Bonuses ==== | ==== Role Bonuses ==== | ||
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* 15% bonus to torpedo velocity | * 15% bonus to torpedo velocity | ||
== Fitting == | |||
Despite the very tight fitting limitations, stealth bombers can operate in a variety of different roles and have many nuanced fitting choices. | |||
=== Essentials === | |||
Regardless of role, there are some modules that will always be used: | |||
* Covert Ops Cloaking Device II: As the foundation of stealth bomber piloting, this cloaking device is essential. A stealth bomber without a cloak is a non-starter; if you cannot fit a Covert Ops cloak, you should not fly a stealth bomber. | |||
* Afterburner or Microwarpdrive: Due to their slow base velocity, stealth bombers require a propulsion module. | |||
=== General Loadouts === | |||
==== Solo Hunting ==== | |||
==== Small Gang ==== | |||
==== Fleet Support ==== | |||
==== Bombers Wing ==== | |||
=== Torpedoes === | === Modules In Depth === | ||
==== Torpedoes ==== | |||
Torpedos are slow flying, hard-hitting, long-range missiles launched by torpedo launchers. Launchers are massive compared to typical frigate-sized weapon systems and are designed for extended bombardments of hard targets like battleships and stations. Torpedo launcher magazines have a large capacity, which is offset by their slow firing rate, long flight times, and trouble applying damage to small, fast ships. To prevent the obvious exploit of launching torpedoes and then warping out before the torpedoes connect, if a ship enters warp, all torpedoes in-flight vanish immediately. This means that especially at long range, bombers on a torpedo run must stay on grid until all of their fired torpedoes have landed to avoid losing damage. The balance between the stealth bomber's fragility and the need to stay on grid is part of the inherent challenge of flying these hulls. | Torpedos are slow flying, hard-hitting, long-range missiles launched by torpedo launchers. Launchers are massive compared to typical frigate-sized weapon systems and are designed for extended bombardments of hard targets like battleships and stations. Torpedo launcher magazines have a large capacity, which is offset by their slow firing rate, long flight times, and trouble applying damage to small, fast ships. To prevent the obvious exploit of launching torpedoes and then warping out before the torpedoes connect, if a ship enters warp, all torpedoes in-flight vanish immediately. This means that especially at long range, bombers on a torpedo run must stay on grid until all of their fired torpedoes have landed to avoid losing damage. The balance between the stealth bomber's fragility and the need to stay on grid is part of the inherent challenge of flying these hulls. | ||
==== Bombs ==== | |||
=== Bombs === | |||
Bombs are untargeted, area-of-effect (AoE) weapons fired by bomb launchers, with stealth bombers being the sole ships capable of equipping them. The use of bombs is prohibited in empire space, restricting their deployment to nullsec or wormhole space outside of deadspace pockets. | Bombs are untargeted, area-of-effect (AoE) weapons fired by bomb launchers, with stealth bombers being the sole ships capable of equipping them. The use of bombs is prohibited in empire space, restricting their deployment to nullsec or wormhole space outside of deadspace pockets. | ||
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**Lockbreaker bombs emit an Electronic Counter Measure (ECM) burst of 12.5 strength to all sensor types. | **Lockbreaker bombs emit an Electronic Counter Measure (ECM) burst of 12.5 strength to all sensor types. | ||
== | ==== Probe Launchers ==== | ||
=== | |||
==== Cloaking Device ==== | |||
==== Target Painters ==== | |||
==== Warp Disrupters ==== | |||
==== Propulsion ==== | |||
==== Missile Damage ==== | |||
==== Fitting Aids ==== | |||
=== Rigs === | ==== Rigs ==== | ||
Rig choices depend on a pilot's skills and fitting requirements. Missile launching rigs, such as the Warhead Calefaction Catalyst (boosts torpedo damage) and the Warhead Rigor Catalyst (decreases missile explosion radius for increased effectiveness against smaller targets), are popular. However, they also increase CPU usage for each launcher, complicating fitting on already challenging bomber hulls. | Rig choices depend on a pilot's skills and fitting requirements. Missile launching rigs, such as the Warhead Calefaction Catalyst (boosts torpedo damage) and the Warhead Rigor Catalyst (decreases missile explosion radius for increased effectiveness against smaller targets), are popular. However, they also increase CPU usage for each launcher, complicating fitting on already challenging bomber hulls. | ||