Problem: Ships sometimes don't move into firing range.
Hypothesis one: The problem is due to Gunnery Implants. Maybe the increased firing range isn't implemented in simulations, even though the pilot is expecting it?
Hypothesis two: The AI seems to move into what it believes is shield-shooting range. However, if the AI is behind an enemy that doesn't have omni shields, no shields will appear to shoot. Consequently, the AI stays just out of range of shooting the hull and rarely fires its weapons.
Replicating:
Create an Aurora with:
Heavy blasters on the two medium turret mounts
Unstable injector
Auxillary thrusters
Safety override
Max the capacitors, then the vents as much as you can
Pilot it with a pilot that has level 3 of Gunnery Implants, and ideally Helmsmanship and Evasive Action.
Now run a simulation against an Onslaught and enable AI control.
Result: the Aurora soon enough moves behind the Onslaught. It will rarely shoot the Onslaught, however. It instead likes to stay behind it, just out of its own firing range (while still getting pelted by the Onslaught). The AI only shoots the Onslaught if it overshoots in its movements and gets "too close".