"Fahrgerät" FG1250

The Fahr- und Zielgerät FG1250, also known as "Puma", was a German active infrared night vision device used during World War II. It was developed starting in 1941, initially by Ing. Gaertner of Carl Zeiss AG, though some sources attribute it to AEG and production to Ernst Leitz GmbH. The system included a specialized mount, an active infrared spotlight, and an image converter. It was paired with machine guns like the MG42 on Sd. Kfz. 251/1 Falke half-tracks and the MG34 on PzKpfw V Panther tanks in the later stages of the war.

These systems could be used for night combat from the end of 1944 onwards. In order to install the FG1250, a number of modifications were made to the PzKpfw V Ausf. G. A battery rack and an electric generator were installed in the rear right section of the crew compartment, eliminating the storage space for three projectiles. In addition, the rear right external storage container was replaced by an armored container for the FG1250's additional equipment.