What is the trajectory of a round defined as?

The trajectory of a round refers to the path that the projectile follows from the moment it exits the muzzle of the firearm until it impacts the target. This encompasses various factors, including the initial velocity of the round, the angle at which it is fired, the effects of gravity, air resistance, and other environmental conditions. Understanding the trajectory is crucial for accurate targeting and effective employment of a weapon, as it influences where the round will land based on the angle of fire and distance to the target.

The speed of the round is related to how far and fast it travels but does not define the path it takes. The angle of fire is an important component in determining trajectory but does not encompass the entirety of the concept, which includes the full path of the bullet. The range of the weapon relates to how far it can effectively shoot but does not accurately define the trajectory itself, which involves more than just distance. Overall, recognizing that trajectory directly pertains to the complete path of the round is essential for effective marksmanship and machine gun employment.