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The ZG 1229 Vampir 1229 (ZG 1229), also known by its code name Vampir, was an active infrared device developed for the Wehrmacht for the Sturmgewehr 44 assault rifle during World War II, intended primarily for night use. ZG 1229 was designed by Allgemeine Elektrizitäts-Gesellschaft (AEG) and Forschungsanstalt der Deutschen Reichspost (RPF). It was produced by Ernst Leitz GmbH[1] and approximately 310 units were built.[2]
The system was heavy, with the device itself and a bulky battery backpack weighing 13.590 kilograms (29.96 lb) in total. The grenadier carrying this was known as a Nachtjäger (night-hunter).[citation needed]
Design edit
The ZG 1229 Vampir weighed 2.25 kilograms (5.0 lb) and was fitted with lugs on the StG 44 at C.G. Haenel in Suhl, the weapons production facility. As well as the sight and infrared spotlight, there was a wooden-cased battery for the light weighing 13.5 kilograms (30 lb), and a second battery fitted inside a gas mask container to power the image converter. This was all strapped to a Tragegestell 39 (pack frame 1939). The searchlight consisted of a conventional tungsten light source shining through a filter permitting only infrared light. The sensor operated in the near-infrared (light) spectrum rather than in the thermal infrared (heat) spectrum and was, therefore, not sensitive to body heat.
Use edit
Successful tests of the infrared sighting device for hand fire arms were made by the Panzergrenadiere during February and March of 1945. Reports indicate, that ZG 1229 units were extremely delicate and considered too cumbersome for attack situation.[3] No records have been located which indicate that ZG 1229 was ever employed on the front.[4]
Similar infrared gear was fitted to machine guns of Pz.Kpfw. V «Panther» tank and Sd.Kfz. 251 «Falke» armored personnel carrier.[5][6]
References edit
| External images | |
|---|---|
| Picture of ZG 1229 More Pictures |
- ^ Handrich 2004, pp. 463–465.
- ^ R. Senich 1987, pp. 309–311.
- ^ R. Senich 1987, pp. 310–311.
- ^ Handrich 2004, p. 464.
- ^ R. Senich 1987, p. 310.
- ^ McCollum, Ian (23 November 2013). "Vintage Saturday: Night Vision". Forgotten Weapons. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
Bibliography edit
- Handrich, Hans-Dieter (2004). Sturmgewehr! From Firepower to Striking Power. Cobourg: Collector Grade Publications. ISBN 0-88935-356-5.
- R. Senich, Peter (1987). The German Assault Rifle: 1935-1945. Boulder: Paladin Press. ISBN 0-87364-400-X.
External links edit
- German Infrared Night-Vision Devices achtungpanzer.com