What is the effective range of the chain gun?

The effective range of a chain gun, commonly found on military aircraft, is generally acknowledged to be around 4.5 km. This reflects the distance at which the weapon can consistently engage targets with effective accuracy and lethality. Beyond this range, the drop of the projectile due to gravity and aerodynamic drag, in addition to the reduction in terminal ballistics, diminishes the chain gun's effectiveness.

This specification is critical as it influences tactical employment and engagement strategies during operations. Acknowledging the effective range allows military personnel to plan their tactics based on the weapon's capabilities, ensuring that they can effectively engage adversaries while remaining within safe operational parameters.

The other choices represent distances that exceed the typical effective engagement range of the chain gun, which may lead to misunderstanding in operational planning or tactical engagements.