What is a hang fire?

A hang fire refers to a situation in which there is a delay between the trigger being pulled and the projectile actually firing. This occurs due to a number of factors, such as a temporary failure in the ignition system or a brief malfunction in the ammunition. It creates a significant safety concern, as the round may fire unexpectedly after a delay, which can pose a risk to personnel and equipment. Understanding the nature of hang fires is critical for cannon crewmembers because it highlights the importance of following safety protocols when dealing with artillery that has not fired as expected, stressing the need to wait and assess the situation before taking any further action.