What can negatively impact the effectiveness of machine gun fire on hilly terrain?

The effectiveness of machine gun fire on hilly terrain can be significantly influenced by unfavorable ground angles. When firing from elevated positions or into a valley, the trajectory of the bullets can be altered due to the incline or decline of the ground. This makes it more challenging to achieve accurate and effective fire on targets located at different elevations.

In hilly terrain, if the gunner is positioned too high or too low relative to the target, it could lead to an increased likelihood of rounds striking the ground before reaching their intended target or overshooting their mark altogether. Additionally, the terrain may obstruct the line of sight, causing angles that make it difficult to maintain effective fire control. This complexity emphasizes the importance of understanding the terrain and adjusting fire techniques accordingly.