What percentage of rounds does an effective beaten zone achieve?

An effective beaten zone achieves approximately 85% of rounds hitting within that designated area. The beaten zone is the area on the ground where the majority of rounds fired from a machine gun concentrate, influenced by the weapon's characteristics, the trajectory of the projectiles, and the dispersion patterns.

This percentage is crucial for understanding machine gun employment and ensuring that fire is effectively delivered on target. A beaten zone that encompasses 85% of rounds indicates a high level of accuracy and effectiveness, allowing for efficient suppression or neutralization of enemy forces. This knowledge is essential for gunners to maximize their firepower and enhance mission success.

Understanding this concept also contributes to effective planning and execution of fire missions, enabling soldiers to create a robust fire support system that ensures the greatest impact on the battlefield.