Launch Bays
Launch Bays deploy Fighters; they do not regenerate them. Fighter restoration is a Carrier-only capability.
The Rule
Capacity: a Launch Bay Tier ship may begin the battle with 1 Fighter unit embarked per Tier. Launch: the Launch Bay ship's base is treated as the controlling player's battlefield edge when launching its embarked Fighter unit; the Fighter enters using its normal movement rules and becomes an independent unit after launch. No Fighter Regeneration: a normal Launch Bay cannot restore destroyed Fighter bases. Destroyed While Embarked: if the Launch Bay ship is destroyed while a Fighter unit remains embarked, that embarked unit is destroyed.
Explanation
This supersedes the older Launch Bay text that allowed base restoration. Launch Bays are deployment platforms only. Fighter restoration/regeneration is instead a Carrier-specific capability and is never inherent to a Launch Bay Tier. Embarked units are not on the battlefield, cannot be targeted, cannot contest objectives, contribute no Tonnage and do not count for Initiative.
Example
Launch Bay Tier 1: This unit may embark 1 Fighter unit. When launched, treat this unit's base as the controlling player's battlefield edge and resolve entry using the Fighter's normal movement rules. If this unit is destroyed while the Fighter remains embarked, the embarked Fighter unit is destroyed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Launch Bay restore destroyed Fighter bases?
No. Only Carriers may recover or restore Fighter units.
What happens to an embarked Fighter if the host dies?
It is destroyed along with the ship.
Designer Commentary
Separating deployment from recovery gives the Carrier class a distinct logistical identity instead of making every Launch Bay hull a repair station.