Which term refers to the ability of a machine gun to fire at multiple targets without repositioning?

The ability of a machine gun to fire at multiple targets without repositioning is best described by Traversing fire. This technique allows the operator to move the weapon in a horizontal plane, enabling them to engage various targets within the effective range without having to physically relocate the machine gun. This approach is vital for maximizing the weapon's effectiveness in dynamic combat scenarios, where targets may be spread out.

Traversing fire involves using the natural pivot points of the mount or the weapon system, which ensures a continuous flow of fire on multiple targets, providing both suppressive and destructive fire capabilities. This ability is critical in suppressing enemy movement and maintaining battlefield control.

The other terms listed do not accurately capture this specific capability. For example, Fixed fire suggests a stationary position, while Scanning fire refers to a systematic method of searching for targets rather than engaging multiple targets simultaneously. Free gun may imply a lack of restrictions in movement but does not specifically address the ability to target multiple foes.