Which of the following types of fire is produced by machine guns?

The type of fire produced by machine guns that is most accurately described by the correct answer involves grazing fire and plunging fire. Grazing fire occurs when the line of sight of the bullets is at a low angle relative to the ground, allowing the bullets to travel across the terrain and strike targets that are within a close range. This type of fire is effective for hitting targets in a flat area, making it ideal for engaging enemy personnel at a distance where the machine gun's effectiveness is maximized.

Plunging fire, on the other hand, occurs when the bullets are fired at a steep angle, enabling them to strike targets that are either uphill or downhill. This form of fire is particularly useful in mountainous or undulating terrain, where effective firing positions can be secured from higher ground, allowing the machine gun to target enemies that may be concealed behind terrain features.

Together, grazing and plunging fire encapsulate the key firing techniques that machine guns employ to maximize their impact on the battlefield, making this combination the most appropriate answer. This understanding of fire types is critical for employing machine guns effectively in various tactical situations.