So, traditionally the Stealth Bomber is a missile boat that is capable of fitting Battleship size Torpedos. This allows the ship to dish out a substantial amount of damage an unsuspecting target of opportunity. The damage is best dealt to larger ships as the smaller ships will receive a reduced amount due to their signature radius. So even though the damage output reads a high value, the application of this damage to smaller targets is only a fraction of that output. The speed of the target will also force damage application to reduce as the explosion radius now plays a role in the damage applied.
Knowing the details of how damage is applied to targets, the game of fitting your Bomber is now at play. You'll need to setup and understand your targets to engage. If smaller targets you will need to fit modules that will increase signature radius and allow greater damage application. If industrial hulls, then likely damage application will not be an issue and you'll want a bit of damage mitigation via your own propulsion and speed tanking or possible some modules to inhibit the targets.
The Bomber can be very effective solo. Very. Effective.
As I began my adventures in Pochven(and Wormholes previously) I used a more conventional fit on the Bomber. Torpedos and some modules to tackle and improve target signature radius as my targets of opportunity will be exploration, industrial, and mining ships. Potentially I'll target some T1 Frigates and Destroyers that I find are fit with Salvagers, since they will generally be lower risk.
In my solo efforts I generally like to fit Arbalest Torpedo Launchers and utilize the Caldari Navy Torpedos. Cal Navy Torpedos have some bonuses to damage application, but a bit less damage to target in total.
Tech II Torpedos and Polarized Torpedos have their arenas to shine, an example of a Polarized fit.
Be wary of incoming DPS in this fit. There are no resists with a Polarized fit, so if your target has teeth you need to be quick.
Since I'm hunting smaller ships I will utilize the Small Rigor Catalyst rigs to naturally beef up the target's Sig Radius and, you guessed it, improve damage application. I would ideally like to fit two Target Painters, but...as I've learned a number of times...Ventures can evade tackle as they have a +2 and the experienced Venture pilots will also fit Warp Stabelizers that add another +2 for a total of +4. A single Warp Scrambler is -2, with two modules providing a -4. To ensure you lock down your target you'll want to utilize a Faction Warp Scrambler, my preference the Dread Gurista Warp Scrambler that has a -3. This brings our ability to lock down targets at a -5 and the target's most possible a +4. We win.
For the most part I have good results with this setup. As well, this is my preferred setup for Wormhole hunting as you never know what you'll encounter and having the damage can be a benefit.
Some recommendations, since we are nomadic:
- Mobile Depot to refit
- Armor and Hull Repair modules, should the worst occur and you can't make it to a Low or High Security station to repair.
- Nanite Paste to repair modules that have been overheated
- Expanded Probe Launcher with some Combat Probes. For the odd ship left hanging in space or whatever combat scanning needs.
The Manticore and Nemesis are best used with this conventional fit and damage application enhancements. This due to the Manticore and Nemesis having 4 Mid Slots. The Purifier and Hound with 3 Mid Slots and the target tackling with some damage application enhancements becomes tough.
The Purifier and Hound have their chance to shine in the Unconventional Fits that I'll introduce in the future.
As you succeed and fail in your hunting endeavors you'll refine your fit and module swaps. Just know your prey will equally be adjusting their fit and tactics so this is an evolving give and take. Ideally I can take more than I give, but loss is the best teacher.
For now,
Be Well New Eden
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