What is a "proximity effect" in artillery?

What is a "proximity effect" in artillery?

• A. An effect where rounds impact near but not on the target, yet still achieve intended damage or suppression.
• B. An effect where rounds impact on the target precisely.
• C. An effect related to proximity to friendly units.
• D. An effect where rounds fail to detonate.

Answer: (A)

Proximity effect refers to artillery rounds detonating near the target rather than on impact, so the blast and fragments reach the target area even if there isn’t a direct hit. Airburst or proximity-fuzed shells explode a short distance in front of, above, or beside the target, creating a wider cone of fragmentation and a damaging blast that still suppresses or injures the enemy. This makes the weapon effective against dispersed infantry or targets shielded by cover, because you don’t rely on a precise direct hit to achieve desired effects. The other options don’t fit because the effect isn’t about hitting the target exactly, about closeness to friendly troops, or about failing to detonate.

Proximity effect refers to artillery rounds detonating near the target rather than on impact, so the blast and fragments reach the target area even if there isn’t a direct hit. Airburst or proximity-fuzed shells explode a short distance in front of, above, or beside the target, creating a wider cone of fragmentation and a damaging blast that still suppresses or injures the enemy. This makes the weapon effective against dispersed infantry or targets shielded by cover, because you don’t rely on a precise direct hit to achieve desired effects. The other options don’t fit because the effect isn’t about hitting the target exactly, about closeness to friendly troops, or about failing to detonate.