What is the term for the greatest distance that a projectile will travel?

The term for the greatest distance that a projectile will travel is known as maximum range. This refers to the farthest distance a projectile can achieve under optimal conditions, taking into account factors such as launch angle, initial velocity, air resistance, and projectile design. The concept is particularly significant in the context of ballistics and firearms, as it helps in understanding the capabilities of different ammunition and weapons systems.

In contrast, the term maximum effective range refers to the distance at which a weapon can be expected to deliver effective fire on a target. This distance is typically shorter than the maximum range due to factors like accuracy and target size. The cyclic rate of fire is a measure of how many rounds a firearm can fire in a minute under optimal conditions, while the sustained rate of fire refers to the optimal rate at which a weapon can be fired over an extended period without overheating or suffering mechanical failure.