In relation to the ground, what class of fire is characterized by fire that descends from a high point?

Plunging fire is characterized by bullets descending from a high point toward the target, which can be particularly effective when engaging targets that are in a deep or low-lying position. This type of fire takes advantage of elevation, such as shooting from a hilltop or elevated staging area, allowing the rounds to descend at a steep angle. This can increase the lethality of the fire as it strikes targets with a more concentrated force, often effectively bypassing lower cover that might protect the enemy from grazing fire, which is delivered parallel to the ground.

In contrast, grazing fire maintains its trajectory parallel to the ground, often delivering fire at close range just above the surface, and is less effective against targets that are elevated or behind cover. Search fire refers to a method of firing to locate and suppress an enemy, and traversing fire is about changing the direction of fire horizontally rather than focusing on elevation. Understanding the mechanics of each class of fire is crucial for effective tactical applications in diverse scenarios.