Plunging fires strike the ground at a high angle, shortening the length of the beaten zone.

Plunging fires strike the ground at a high angle, shortening the length of the beaten zone.

• A. They strike the ground at a high angle, shortening the beaten zone
• B. They strike flat at ground level
• C. They are only used at night
• D. They always produce long, narrow beaten zones

Answer: (A)

When fire is delivered at a high angle, the rounds strike the ground relatively soon after leaving the muzzle—the trajectory is steep. That means the impacts occur over a shorter distance along the line of fire, compressing the area saturated with hits. So plunging fire indeed shortens the beaten zone length. The other statements don’t describe this effect: plunging fire isn’t about flat ground level, isn’t restricted to night use, and does not always produce long, narrow beaten zones.

When fire is delivered at a high angle, the rounds strike the ground relatively soon after leaving the muzzle—the trajectory is steep. That means the impacts occur over a shorter distance along the line of fire, compressing the area saturated with hits. So plunging fire indeed shortens the beaten zone length. The other statements don’t describe this effect: plunging fire isn’t about flat ground level, isn’t restricted to night use, and does not always produce long, narrow beaten zones.