Well, there are quite a few loopholes tto exploit in the engine. Here's one I should have known years ago... I did a search, but found nothing, if this alread has been mentioned, please post the link.
Do the mission where you're supposed to destroy the alien cruiser for the Rebels.
Jump into the system where the alien is with as much fuel as you possibly can store. The very split second you enter the system, activate the Cloaking Device, the alien cruiser can't be given the opportunity to launch it's fighters or there's a chance this might not work.
Stand back and enjoy the show as your two cruiser escorts and their Manta fighters blast the alien into oblivion without any resistance. It's just going to sit there frozen in space, waiting for you to uncloak.
Consider it a cheat, even more so than the Monty Python.
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Here's a funny thing: System 7.5.2