What causes more first-round misses than errors in deflection?

The reason that errors in range determination cause more first-round misses than errors in deflection is rooted in the fundamental mechanics of how targeting and firing systems operate. Range determination involves accurately measuring the distance to a target, which is critical for calculating the necessary elevation adjustments of the weapon system. If the range is miscalculated, it leads to either underestimating or overestimating the distance, resulting in the projectile missing the target completely, regardless of other factors like wind or deflection.

In contrast, errors in deflection, which relate to adjusting for wind or other environmental factors, typically involve fine-tuning the aim once the range has already been correctly established. Although deflection errors can certainly lead to misses, they often come into play after the initial range has been set. Therefore, the initial miscalculation in range is more likely to lead to a first-round miss compared to deflection adjustments.

By understanding the importance of accurate range determination in relation to targeting effectiveness, it's clear why this type of error is more critical in achieving first-round hits.