Created to fulfill the role of a light reconnaisance 
battlemech, the Nyxhad some stiff competition from other 
designs in its class.  In 3022, however, management at 
the DSC Armory decided the Nyx was unique enough to 
pursue the venture, and design work began in earnest to 
create a dedicated light recon mech.

Capabilities:
The initial problem faced by designers was that of 
differentiating the Nyx from the venerable Locust or 
Ostscout to create another recon 'mech that would sell 
based upon its differences.  After reviewing both the 
Locust on Ostscout designs, it was decided that the Nyx 
would shine as a more heavily armored alternative to 
reconnaisance.  In order to get the most out of the Nyx, 
concessions would have to be made.  The first 
concession was the GM 210 engine instead of the VOX 
240.  This left the Nyx a bit slower than both the Locust 
and Ostscout, but designers chose to install Type I DSC 
Mercury Jets to allow the Nyx for a 210 meter jump radius 
in order to improve agility.

Six tons of DSC Light Plate cover the frame of the Nyx, 
making it one of the most heavily armored light 
battlemechs of the era.  This would be the most important 
aspect for Nyx sales as the added protection would bring 
more 'mechs back from recon assignments where contact 
was made.  Adding to the recon package of the Nyx is 
tthe DSC ReconCom Special.  This system allows the Nyx 
to accurate report contacts but it can remain inconspicous 
while doing so, much like the Irian E.A.R. mounted on the 
Hermes II.

The weapons package on the Nyx is a little less than 
impressive.  A Martell medium laser and a trio of Magna 
small lasers make it better armed than the Locust or 
Ostscout, but still lacking in any real combat effectiveness. 
 The weapons package was mostly chosen for the 
availability of the Martell and Magna lasers and to provide 
some measure of self-defense should the Nyx be force to 
engage.

Deployment:
The Nyx has generated mixed feeling over whether or not 
it is a truly necessary design.  Some commanders cannot 
justify the purchase of a Nyx when other battlemechs are 
readily available for recon assignments, while others 
welcome a dedicated recon 'mech into their ranks.  It is 
still being produced, even in 3062, by the DSC Armory 
factories on Keystone and New Earth.  Before the Clan 
invasion the primary Nyx line was on the large factory on 
Sudeten, however, with the fall of Sudeten into the hands 
of the Jade Falcon, the main production line of the Nyx 
was stopped.  A few Nyx class battlemechs are produced 
a year and generally find their way to the Periphery or into 
Chaos March.