IMTU I found it was possible at TL9 to put a 50kt Nuclear Pumped laser
warhead in a 1 cubic meter/1 metric ton missile and still get an 8/8
performance. Obviously not as fast as the larger missiles but still quicker
than virtually any ship. Also don't forget to add the launching ships vector
to that of its missiles at the time of launch. In a 4cubic meter/4 metric
ton missile you can get 10/10 with a 500kt warhead. More of these can be
carried than the standard 7 cubic meter/7 metric ton missiles so allowing
for more intense swarm attacks. Even the small 'fighters' can carry a
reasonable number of these to add in to the basket. At higher tech levels
the missile velocities will also increase. The TL9 ones all used solid
rocket fuel at higher tech levels other propellants become possible.
Antony