In relation to machine gun accuracy, how does the distance to the target impact fire?

The correct answer highlights the relationship between distance to the target and how it affects the trajectory of the bullets fired from a machine gun. The height of the maximum ordinate refers to the highest point that a bullet reaches in its parabolic trajectory before descending toward the target. As the distance to the target increases, this maximum ordinate changes; particularly, it tends to increase as the range extends.

In practical terms, when engaging a target at greater distances, the shooter must understand that the bullet will rise to a certain height before beginning to drop. This understanding is crucial for adjusting the line of sight and ensuring effective target engagement, since the bullets will follow a curved path influenced by distance, gravity, and other environmental factors.

Thus, appreciating how distance affects the maximum ordinate is integral to maintaining effective fire, enabling a more accurate engagement of targets irrespective of their range. This understanding helps increase the chances of hitting a target by necessitating adjustments in aim to accommodate the trajectory changes caused by distance.