Yes @Snowbird13 's right you need Vader for the Bomber to work properly. If you start farming the first day you have access to fleet store you should be able to unlock Vader at around the same time you unlock the zeta challenge. So that's a brief idea how long it would take.
Geos are a must unless you go BH or full Empire. Silencer highly recommended as well, he's great and very easy to farm. I'm not sure about TIE Fighter, I never geared him up and tested him out seriously, but if you're going full Empire or just Vader and TIE Bomber, count him in.
Here's an ideal early game Empire Lineup, if you're farming Phoenix/Empire route you might want to go this one, with TIE Bomber it should be the perfect counter to the 5*Executrix challenge team (Rebels) you're going to face:
Vader, TIE Fighter, TIE Bomber, Emperor's shuttle (good reinforcement)
Early game subs: Silencer, Boba.
Late game (full lineup): Add TIE Reaper and Gauntlet Starfighter.