What term describes the type of machinegun fire aimed in a direct lateral line?

Flanking fire refers to machine gun fire that is directed at an enemy's flank or side, typically along a lateral line. This type of fire is advantageous because it can hit the enemy from an unexpected angle, making it more difficult for them to return accurate fire. When employing flanking fire, the machine gunner utilizes the element of surprise and can take advantage of the enemy's vulnerable position. This allows for a more effective suppression of enemy forces, which can be crucial for maneuvering troops or achieving operational objectives.

Other types of fire, such as oblique fire, enfilade fire, and frontal fire, describe different angles and trajectories of fire that do not focus specifically on the lateral aspect that flanking fire emphasizes.