What does a proximity fuze do?

A proximity fuze is designed to activate when it detects that it is nearing a target. This mechanism allows for a more effective detonation of munitions, as the fuze can trigger the explosive charge at an optimal distance, maximizing damage to the target. The advantage of this type of fuze is its ability to engage the target without needing direct impact, which can often be especially useful in scenarios where precision is crucial.

The other options do not align with the specific function of a proximity fuze. For example, detonating at a specific time suggests a timed fuze, which operates on a predetermined schedule rather than proximity. Manual activation implies human intervention for the explosion, which does not match the automatic nature of a proximity fuze. Lastly, activating upon hitting a surface refers to a contact fuze, which relies on physical impact rather than proximity detection. Thus, the characteristic feature of a proximity fuze is accurately captured in the choice that it triggers when it is close to a target.