Sidemounted

Sidemounted is an adjective describing equipment, components, or assemblies that are attached along the side of a structure, vehicle, or platform rather than on the top, front, or rear. The sidemounted arrangement is chosen to save space, improve access, balance loads, or meet a specific form factor. It is used across industries where lateral placement is practical due to geometry or handling requirements.

In scuba diving, sidemount refers to a configuration in which twin cylinders are carried along the diver's sides, often beneath the arms, with hoses routed along the torso. This layout enhances maneuverability, streamlines the profile, and provides redundancy. Training and equipment standards vary, but the approach emphasizes side-based rigging and secure attachment to a harness.

In transportation and industrial equipment, side-mounted features include spare tires on trailers or trucks, side-mounted tool boxes, antennas, cameras, or sensors. In electronics and enclosures, side panels and side-mounted fans or connectors are used to fit compact footprints within a given space. In firearms and helmet optics, side-mounted mounts allow accessories without obstructing the forward field of view.

Benefits of sidemounting include easier access to the mounted item, better space utilization, and potential balance advantages. Drawbacks can include increased exposure to side impact, more complex alignment, and potential interference with adjacent components or maintenance work. The term is used across domains to describe a practical, lateral mounting approach.