If you want it to be lances, then you can take an AdMech Endurance instead.
1 Lance and 3 WBs are equivalent vs AV5 moving away, or abeam at close range. However, lances will deliver their hits reliably, whilst WBs will deliver their hits in less frequent bunches, which are more useful for circumventing shields and brace checks.
In addition, Lock On gives a 66% bonus to WBs needing to roll 5+, but only a 50% buff to lances re-rolling 4+. Then if you manoeuvre cleverly, you can get a further 43% boost over lances by achieving beneficial column shifts.
The maximum damage potential of 4 lances is 4. The damage potential of 12WBs is 12. I know which I'd rather have on my main gunships. That isn't to say lances aren't useful for when you're out of position, facing space marines, or taking the last hit off an already damaged ship, but they're far more likely to be damaged if you've got a good broadside in with WBs first.