It was developed by Ing Gaertner of the German optics company Carl Zeiss AG beginning in 1941.

[1] According to other sources, it was developed by AEG and produced by Ernst Leitz GmbH.

[2] It consisted of a specialized mount, active infrared spotlight and accompanying image converter.

In the later stages of World War II the bulky FG 1250 active infrared unit was paired to some MG 42's on Sd.Kfz.

251/1 Falke half-track armored personnel carriers[3] and MG 34's on PzKpfw V Panther tanks.