Revision: 1750 Aircav 2010 style.

Well, one of the very few posts on here from one of my defunct Authors was recently dredged up by an Anonymous user, and he asked how the Aircav list within fared.  The list didn't quite fit with my more recent visions of how an AirCav theme army should really be structured, do I, in my infinite benevolence (and humility) offered to construct a more up-to-date version that better reflected what I thought would be a competitive build nowadays.  Of course, this list hasn't been tested, because I lack the Vendettas to do so.  Frankly, the IG army I am (slowly) working on probably won't be finished before 2012 at this rate, which depresses and annoys me in equal measure.  I plan to take it for a test drive on Vassal at some stage, after the Tourny Scythes get to 3 Colours, and my Eldar are all fully painted up to 2k, instead of a bunch of half-finished models amongst some finished tanks, and calling it good.



So, without further ado* - the list.

HQ:

CCS;
4 Flamers, Astropath, OotF. - 130

This unit is obviously largely there for the benefit that you get from the 2 Advisors.  Note, I will use 2 Astros, because it is critical to this list to get all of the reserve units ASAP, it's just a shame such a thing is expensive.  :(  Especially since, a lot of the time, the Scout move would be FAR more valuable.  Flamers are to provide the anti-horde that will be somewhat lacking in the rest of the list, necessitated by swapping Valks for Vendettas.  Vendettas are so much more cost-effective that it isn't even funny.  Though, I imagine it isn't a joke.


CCS;
4 Flamers, Astropath, Straken. - 195

This unit really only has Flamers to keep the cost down, having put in t5he CC beatstick that is Iron Man.  2d6 Pen with a S of 6/7 and 3/4 A makes Tony ideal for taking out immobile vehicles, and you should be making them immobile with other things, so the lack of Melta is less of an issue.  If insecure at the lack of Melta, swap out 3 Flamers for MGs, and take a HF.  Hopefully, though, that won't be necessary, as you honestly want at least one of this kind of unit to deal with Foot armies, or irritating FnP granting 1W/2W models that are otherwise next to impossible to torrent out of a unit.


Fast Attack

The meat and bones of the army.  Sadly, we are limited by only having the three choices here.  Bad times.  :(


Vendetta Gunship Squadron;
2 Vendettas w/ Heavy Bolters - 280

Vendetta Gunship Squadron;

2 Vendettas w/ Heavy Bolters - 280

Vendetta Gunship Squadron;

2 Vendettas w/ Heavy Bolters - 280

At this point we have a load of rides, but nothing in them.  Bear in mind, the squadron rules seriously hurt you, as does only being AV12.  Still, could be worse.

TROOPS

Veteran Squad;

Demolitions, 3 Meltaguns - 140

Veteran Squad;

Demolitions, 3 Meltaguns - 140

These two units are the Alpha Strikers.  Get them right up in the face, and blow something away with Melta.  Multi-charge stationary vehicles if possible - even without AP1, a succession of MB hits will wreck most things in fairly short order.  Shotguns are optional - without testing, I cannot say if they are worth the conversion work here.  Given that they permit Assaults, probably - but if you are assaulting it, S3 shooting probably won't do much anyway.  Because it is a vehicle.  Duh.  ;)

Veteran Squad;

2 Meltaguns, Heavy Flamer, Shotguns - 100

Veteran Squad;

2 Meltaguns, Heavy Flamer, Shotguns - 100

These are the utility squads that are versatile enough to plug the inevitable gaps in the line.  Bear in mind, this list is quite fragile, and won't be easy to use.  Realistically, get some practice in with Vassal first, as the army is quite expensive, and most of us simply cannot drop a grand on toy soldiers on a whim.

So far, we have spent a lot of points.  Let's tot them up...1645, according to my Laptop's calculator.  Hrmm.  We see know emphasised the inherent fragility of the list.  Really, we have 3 units deploying (or not, lol) and yet we have a mere 105 points to spend.  :(

At this stage, we have 3 options:

1) Compromise the list, reducing Vet units, and Vendettas.  Maybe even go down to just one CCS.  This is an unhappy situation, but allows us to fit in Hydras, or Chimera squads.  As you said you don't want Chimeras, this will not be explored further without a comment below requesting as much.

2) Take the solid, dependable, expendable Stormtroopers.  A squad of 5, with 2 Meltaguns, neatly takes all 105 points we have available.  Almost like I planned it, huh? ;)

3) Take the more rentsy route, and utilise Marbo.  Taking him, along with a 4-strong unit of Ratling Snipers, to prevent enemy Scout moves Alpha-ing your ass, is also exactly 105 points.  4 Ratlings is not optimal, but will do.

Well, it's up to yourself.  Note, this list would be far better with 2000 points, as it can take 2/3 ST units, and some tank support too.  That said, I don't think it's a BAD list - just not a really GOOD one either.

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* - You wouldn't know it, but there was a 9 hour gap between the preceding paragraph and this one.  I literally went to work, and came back to the article.  I am so awesome.