Just as missiles have evolved and the ultimate advancement being the missile pod the counter missile and point defense laser cluster could also evolve.
The Counter Missile could be upgraded with the Viper fire and forget AI. This might allow for a counter missile pod. Deploy and as the missile salvo gets close fire and forget.
The PDLC could be deployed in a cube recon probe, with its own AI. This would allow a pod sized PD-cube to be deployed perhaps a 100 from each pod layer or in a CM pod mix, to allow for a 1-5 million klick cloud to surround the pod layers for less than 10% of their pod numbers. 1-3, depending on PDLC size/quality, clusters on each cube face could be deployed as an extended anti missile defense. With extended firing capabilties each missile salvo incoming could be strafed and reduced well before it is in laser head firing range. 5x5 x 4deep PD Cubes could present 600 to 1800 clusters. Even if they are only 10% effective that is a 60-180 missile reduction from each salvo. With an area of coverage of 300,000-550,000 KM and a depth of 250,000-500,000 km for each pod layer. 100 pod layers and the area of coverage is increased, the depth increased and the number of intercepts increased. 6,000 - 18,000 missiles intercepted per salvo. Given we have determined salvos per ship are about 400 active missiles each SD(P) plus 50 Apollo. 50 pods worth.
Increasing the density of the fire and increasing percentage hit probability one could reduce numbers of missiles getting close by 30% and doubling the depth one would be able to take out 180-540 doubling to 360-1080 missiles.
Effectively eliminating the incoming missiles. While still having 80% of your own pods to fire back. Plus your ship mounted PD and CM.
This might be an effective SL tactic technology to bring to the combat arena. Without effective missiles Manticore is left wanting. With ship number advantages such defenses are percentage increased. Could be the game changer.
