German MP44 IR sight

[Herr Falle]

Information and pictures wanted on the German WWII IR sight mounted on the MP44. The only thing I know about it is that it was called Zielgerät 1229 Vampir.
Thanx

 

[Rodgers]

Mind if i ask why? (sorry that isn't too helpful - just curious)

 

[Lucky]

There´s not much, but here goes:

AEG, RPF and Letiz also produced a Zielgeraet or active night-vision device for the Sturmgewehr 44 assault rifle. The ZG 1229 Vampir weighed in at 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 monster was known as a Nachtjager and carrying this rifle must have been no joy. As well as the sight and spotlight, there was a 13.5 kilogram (about 30 lbs.) wooden cased battery for the Scheinwerfer, and a second battery fitted inside a gas mask container to power the Bildwandler. This was all strapped to a Traggestell 39 (pack frame 39). In Waldemar Trojca's Panther, volume 2, Vampir gear was: "First used in combat in February 1945". However, he later goes on to say: "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-shinning torches coupled with enormous optical sights' mounted on their rifles. Similar infrared gear was fitted both to MG34 and MG42 machine guns." So there remains a good deal of mystery surrounding these late-war weapons.

Also try this link: http://www.achtungpanzer.com/ir.htm .

 

[Herr Falle]

I´m just a history buff and quite intrested in WWII technical devlopement.

Thanx Lucky.
I have almost all information on the IR mounted on the Panther, but then I heard that they did produce IR equipment for the MP44 so I wanted to know more, really good information. Thanks again.
I´ve also heard about the snipers using that kind of equipment but have "always" dismissed it as rumors, so if anyone else know something about it please give me some info about it.