How to create a tackle frigate?

[Malevolence]

I like to use task organized fleets of highly specialized ships. I have been struggling to create a working tackle frigate.

The purpose of the tackle frigate is to use HyperDeny weapons to prevent any ships within range from initiating a hyperjump and escaping my high damage ships. My prey must not escape, especially when they form fleets and mass together. While area weapons typically have high power requirements and are intended for larger ships, a small, very fast ship designed especially to carry a couple HyperDeny weapons works in terms of putting it together.

My issue is that the frigate refuses to actually use the weapon consistently. I have set the AI to use point blank tactics and show no fear. I have also added a single laser to ensure some type of attack.

Instead my frigate arrives at the battle and sits lifeless.

Has anyone else tried this? Any recommendations or some game mechanic I'm missing? The help information about area weapons doesn't detail the mechanics of HyperDeny weapons at all.

[Joram]

No haven't tried it but might have a couple suggestions.  First, Make sure it has enough power.  I don't know the reload rate on the thing too so it may just feel sporadically. 
 
Those aside, can try two things.  Add at least one little laser on it and be sure that it's behaviour towards 'stronger opponents' is to fire all weapons if standoff isn't producing the results you desire.