Zielgerät 1229

The Zielgerät 1229, also known by its code name "Vampir", was an active infrared device developed for the Wehrmacht during World War II and was intended primarily to be used at night. The ZG 1229 was designed by Allgemeine Elektrizitäts-Gesellschaft (AEG) and Forschungsanstalt der Deutschen Reichspost (RPF). It was produced by Ernst Leitz GmbH and approximately 310 units were built. A grenadier carrying it was known among other troops as a Nachtjäger (night-hunter).

The 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. Successful tests of the infrared sighting device were made by the Panzergrenadiere during February and March of 1945. 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 this type of sight.