What is meant by the term "plunging fire" in a military context?

Plunging fire refers to a specific type of fire in a military context characterized by its angle of descent. When fire is described as "plunging," it typically means that the rounds strike the target from a high elevation, creating a steep angle of incidence. This situation restricts the horizontal spread of danger, meaning that the effective area or "danger space" in which the rounds can cause harm is significantly confined.

This confinement is crucial in military tactics as it allows for a more controlled engagement with enemy forces, minimizing unintended casualties in surrounding areas. Plunging fire can be particularly effective when firing from elevated positions, such as hills or buildings, allowing forces to engage targets with a lower risk of collateral damage due to the concentrated path of the projectiles.

In contrast, other types of fire, such as direct gunfire with a flat trajectory or indirect fire using artillery, do not apply the same principles of vertical engagement and danger space management. Understanding plunging fire is essential for planning effective combat strategies and ensuring mission success while considering the safety of unit personnel and non-combatants.