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{{short description|German WWII infrared rifle scope ("Vampir")}}
{{for|the mythological being|Vampire}}
{{Infobox weapon
{{Refimprove|date=May 2015}}
| name = Zielgerät 1229 «Vampir»

| image = Vampir night scope.jpg
[[File:Vampir night scope.jpg|thumb|The Zielgerät ZG 1229 Vampir]]
| origin = {{flag|Nazi Germany}}
| type = night vision scope
| wars = [[World War II]]
| designer = [[AEG (German company)|Allgemeine Elektrizitäts-Gesellschaft (AEG)]]<br>
Forschungsanstalt der Deutschen Reichspost (RPF)
| design_date = 1943—1944
| manufacturer = [[Ernst Leitz GmbH]]
| production_date = 1944—1945
| number = not less than 310
| weight = 2.26 (sight with infrared illuminator)<br>
13.59 (batteries)
⚫
}}
[[File:Vampir night scope tested by British soldier.jpg|thumb|The Zielgerät ZG 1229 Vampir displayed by a British soldier]]
[[File:Vampir night scope tested by British soldier.jpg|thumb|The Zielgerät ZG 1229 Vampir displayed by a British soldier]]


The '''''ZG 1229 Vampir'' 1229''' ('''ZG 1229'''), also known in its code name '''''Vampir''''', was an [[Night vision#Active infrared|active infrared]] device developed for the [[Wehrmacht]] for the [[StG 44|Sturmgewehr 44]] assault rifle during [[World War II]], intended primarily for night use.
The '''''ZG 1229 Vampir'' 1229''' ('''ZG 1229'''), also known by its code name '''''Vampir''''', was an [[Night vision#Active illumination|active infrared]] device developed for the ''[[Wehrmacht]]'' for the [[StG 44|Sturmgewehr 44]] assault rifle during World War II, intended primarily for night use. The ZG 1229 was designed by Allgemeine Elektrizitäts-Gesellschaft (AEG) and Forschungsanstalt der Deutschen Reichspost (RPF). It was produced by Ernst Leitz GmbH{{Sfn|Handrich|2004|pp=463–465}} and approximately 310 units were built.{{Sfn|Senich|1987|pp=309–311}}{{Sfn|Johnston|2010|p=369}} A [[grenadier]] carrying it was known as a ''Nachtjäger'' (night-hunter).<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Rhodes |first=Williams |title=The Last Panther in Pomerania. IR Solutions |url=http://www.missing-lynx.com/articles/dio/rwpanth/rwpanth_solutions.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030213225752/http://www.missing-lynx.com/articles/dio/rwpanth/rwpanth_solutions.htm |archive-date=2003-02-13 |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=www.missing-lynx.com}}</ref>


==Design==
==Design==
The ZG 1229 Vampir weighed 2.25 kilograms (about 5 lbs.) and was fitted with lugs on the [[StG 44]] at [[C.G. Haenel]] at [[Suhl]], the weapons production facility. The [[grenadier]] carrying this was known as a Nachtjäger (night-hunter). As well as the sight and infrared spotlight, there was a 13.5 kilogram (about 30 lbs.) wooden cased battery for the light, 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 upper infrared (light) spectrum rather than in the lower infrared (heat) spectrum and was, therefore, not sensitive to body heat.
The ZG 1229 Vampir weighed {{convert|2.26|kg|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 {{convert|13.59|kg|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).<ref name=":0" /> 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.

The image given was described as being of great brilliance and good contrast. Standing men could be discerned up to {{Convert|73|m|yd}}, especially when moving.{{Sfn|Handrich|2004|pp=463–465}} However, reports indicate that ZG 1229 units were extremely delicate and considered too cumbersome for attack situations.{{Sfn|Senich|1987|pp=309—311|p=}}


==Use==
==Use==
Successful tests of the infrared sighting device for hand fire arms were made by the [[Panzergrenadier|Panzergrenadiere]] during February and March of 1945.{{Sfn|Senich|1987|pp=309—311|p=}} (According to other reports — the army trials never took place.{{Sfn|Handrich|2004|pp=463–465}})
⚫
Vampir gear was first used in combat in February 1945. However, small arms infrared device introduction took place in early 1944. 310 units were delivered to the Wehrmacht at the final stages of the war. [[Eastern Front (World War II)|Eastern Front]] veteran reports consist of snipers shooting at night with the aid of 'peculiar non-shining torches coupled with enormous optical sights' mounted on their rifles. Similar infrared gear was fitted both to [[MG34]] and [[MG42]] machine guns.<ref>https://www.forgottenweapons.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SdKfz_251_Falke_night_vision-1024x725.jpg</ref>


Deployment of StG 44s with ZG 1229 sights began only in the last months of the war, and most researchers agree that there is no reliable information considering combat use of the sights of this type.{{Sfn|Senich|1987|pp=309—311}}{{Sfn|Handrich|2004|pp=463–465}}
==In popular culture==
Much of the plot of [[Stephen Hunter]]'s novel ''The Master Sniper'' revolves around the development and employment of the ''Vampir'' system. It is also referenced in Hunter's book [[Black Light (novel)|''Black Light'']].


Nevertheless, [[Waldemar Trojca]] quotes [[Eastern Front (World War II)|Eastern Front]] veterans who claimed to have encountered German [[Sniper|snipers]] using night sights on [[Firearm|small arms]]:{{Sfn|Trojca|1999|pp=|p=18}}
One of the weapons in the 2008 videogame ''[[Turning Point: Fall of Liberty]]'' is equipped with a fictional development of the Vampir sight.


⚫
{{Quote|text=Small arms infrared device introduction must have taken place in early 1944. Both my late grandfather, Gerhard Sarnes, and one of the ex-soldiers that I interviewed, did recall Eastern Front snipers shooting at night with the aid of "peculiar non-shining torches coupled with enormous optical sights" mounted on their rifles. Similar infrared gear was fitted to both [[MG 34|MG34]] and [[MG 42|MG42]] [[General-purpose machine gun|GPMGs]].|author=|title=|source=}}
⚫
==References==
{{externalimage|align=right|images=
[http://www.achtungpanzer.com/images/vampir.jpg Picture of ZG 1229]<br>
[https://web.archive.org/web/20120216152823/http://www.stg.online.pl/vampir_de.html More Pictures]
⚫
}}


However, here he contradicts his own statement that the ZG 1229 was first used in combat in February 1945.{{Sfn|Trojca|1999|pp=11—12|p=}} In addition, the short target detection range would have made the use of this sight by snipers and machine gunners extremely difficult, if not impossible.

Similar infrared gear ([[FG 1250]]) was fitted to the [[Machine gun|machine guns]] of [[Panther tank|Pz.Kpfw. V ''Panther'']] tanks{{Sfn|Trojca|1999|pp=|p=9}} and [[Sd.Kfz. 251|Sd.Kfz. 251 ''Falke'']] armored personnel carriers.{{Sfn|Senich|1987|pp=309—311}}{{Sfn|Trojca|1999|pp=|p=9}}<ref name=":0" />

⚫
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
* [http://www.achtungpanzer.com/articles/ir.htm German Infrared Night-Vision Devices] achtungpanzer.com


=== Bibliography ===
* {{Cite book |last=Johnston |first=Gary Paul |title=The World's Assault Rifles |publisher=Ironside International Publishers |year=2010 |isbn=0-88935-356-5 |location=Lorton |pages= |language=en}}
* {{Cite book |last=Handrich |first=Hans-Dieter |title=Sturmgewehr! From Firepower to Striking Power |publisher=Collector Grade Publications |year=2004 |isbn=0-88935-356-5 |location=Cobourg |pages= |language=en}}
* {{Cite book |last=Senich |first=Peter R. |title=The German Assault Rifle: 1935-1945 |publisher=Paladin Press |year=1987 |isbn=0-87364-400-X |location=Boulder |language=en}}
* {{Cite book |last=Trojca |first=Waldemar |title=PzKpfw. V Panther |publisher=AJ-Press |year=1999 |isbn=83-7237-017-6 |volume=2 |location=Warsaw |pages= |language=en}}

== External links ==
* {{Cite web |title=Zielgerät 1229 Vampir |url=http://www.stg.online.pl/vampir_de.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100731151124/http://www.stg.online.pl/vampir_de.html |archive-date=2010-07-31 |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=www.stg.online.pl}}
* {{Cite web |title=German Infrared Night-Vision Devices - Infrarot-Scheinwerfer |url=http://www.achtungpanzer.com/german-infrared-night-vision-devices-infrarot-scheinwerfer.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401121446/http://www.achtungpanzer.com/german-infrared-night-vision-devices-infrarot-scheinwerfer.htm |archive-date=2010-04-01 |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=www.achtungpanzer.com}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Zielgerat 1229}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Zielgerat 1229}}
[[Category:World War II German electronics]]
[[Category:World War II German electronics]]
[[Category:Research and development in Nazi Germany]]
[[Category:World War II military equipment of Germany]]
[[Category:Firearm sights]]
[[Category:Firearm sights]]
[[Category:Infrared imaging]]
[[Category:Infrared imaging]]
[[Category:Night vision devices]]

Latest revision as of 19:49, 1 August 2024

Zielgerät 1229 «Vampir»
Typenight vision scope
Place of origin Nazi Germany
Service history
WarsWorld War II
Production history
DesignerAllgemeine Elektrizitäts-Gesellschaft (AEG)
Forschungsanstalt der Deutschen Reichspost (RPF)
Designed1943—1944
ManufacturerErnst Leitz GmbH
Produced1944—1945
No. builtnot less than 310
Specifications
Mass2.26 (sight with infrared illuminator)
13.59 (batteries)
The Zielgerät ZG 1229 Vampir displayed by a British soldier

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. The 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][3] A grenadier carrying it was known as a Nachtjäger (night-hunter).[4]

Design

[edit]

The ZG 1229 Vampir weighed 2.26 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 13.59 kilograms (30.0 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).[4] 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.

The image given was described as being of great brilliance and good contrast. Standing men could be discerned up to 73 metres (80 yd), especially when moving.[1] However, reports indicate that ZG 1229 units were extremely delicate and considered too cumbersome for attack situations.[2]

Use

[edit]

Successful tests of the infrared sighting device for hand fire arms were made by the Panzergrenadiere during February and March of 1945.[2] (According to other reports — the army trials never took place.[1])

Deployment of StG 44s with ZG 1229 sights began only in the last months of the war, and most researchers agree that there is no reliable information considering combat use of the sights of this type.[2][1]

Nevertheless, Waldemar Trojca quotes Eastern Front veterans who claimed to have encountered German snipers using night sights on small arms:[5]

Small arms infrared device introduction must have taken place in early 1944. Both my late grandfather, Gerhard Sarnes, and one of the ex-soldiers that I interviewed, did recall Eastern Front snipers shooting at night with the aid of "peculiar non-shining torches coupled with enormous optical sights" mounted on their rifles. Similar infrared gear was fitted to both MG34 and MG42 GPMGs.

However, here he contradicts his own statement that the ZG 1229 was first used in combat in February 1945.[6] In addition, the short target detection range would have made the use of this sight by snipers and machine gunners extremely difficult, if not impossible.

Similar infrared gear (FG 1250) was fitted to the machine guns of Pz.Kpfw. V Panther tanks[7] and Sd.Kfz. 251 Falke armored personnel carriers.[2][7][4]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d Handrich 2004, pp. 463–465.
  2. ^ a b c d e Senich 1987, pp. 309–311.
  3. ^ Johnston 2010, p. 369.
  4. ^ a b c Rhodes, Williams. "The Last Panther in Pomerania. IR Solutions". www.missing-lynx.com. Archived from the original on 2003-02-13. Retrieved 2024-05-31.
  5. ^ Trojca 1999, p. 18.
  6. ^ Trojca 1999, pp. 11–12.
  7. ^ a b Trojca 1999, p. 9.

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Johnston, Gary Paul (2010). The World's Assault Rifles. Lorton: Ironside International Publishers. ISBN 0-88935-356-5.
  • Handrich, Hans-Dieter (2004). Sturmgewehr! From Firepower to Striking Power. Cobourg: Collector Grade Publications. ISBN 0-88935-356-5.
  • Senich, Peter R. (1987). The German Assault Rifle: 1935-1945. Boulder: Paladin Press. ISBN 0-87364-400-X.
  • Trojca, Waldemar (1999). PzKpfw. V Panther. Vol. 2. Warsaw: AJ-Press. ISBN 83-7237-017-6.
[edit]
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