What does the term "sustained fire" mean in the context of machine guns?

The term "sustained fire" refers to the ability to maintain continuous firing over a prolonged period. This concept is critical when operating machine guns, as it emphasizes the weapon's capability to engage targets without frequent pauses for cooldown or reloading, thereby maximizing its effectiveness in sustained engagements. This type of firing allows troops to provide consistent suppressive fire, ensuring cover for advancing units or controlling enemy movements.

Sustained fire is often associated with strategic scenarios where maintaining pressure on the enemy is essential, rather than merely short, rapid bursts of fire designed to achieve immediate tactical objectives. The approach to sustained fire requires careful management of ammunition and awareness of the weapon's heating characteristics to prevent malfunctions due to overheating, thus increasing operational efficiency and effectiveness during combat.