what means RIB, LOB etc...concerning machineguns position in plane

[Flyingkag]

Hey

on many MACRs we can read the serials of the machinguns used in plane, and their relative positions in plane.

I can read on the ones I have: LIB, LOB, LOB, RIB, ROB, ROB

I believe :

L and R are for Left and Right, ok?
I and O should be for "inside " and "outside" of the wing; no reference to the "middle "one machinegune in such a list

so, I have two questions:

Concerning what is the "right side", is it the one on the right side of the sitting and shooting pilot, or the one of an armorer staying in front of the plane and looking at it?

I guess the machingun in center of each gun bay in each wing is the one in the middle of 3 left/right in this kind of lists?

Thanks for any help, Mathias

[waroff]

I think, IB and OB for "inboard" and "outboard"
L or R for "left hand"(port side) or "right hand"(starboard side) is seen from the pilot's place.

[Vince Malfara]

IMHO LIB may stand for Left In Board and RIB Right Out Board.
MACR I've seen for B-17 shows installed weapons, type and serial numbers as RT and LT being the Right Tail and Left Tail, RW Right Waist and LW Left Waist.
The right side of the aircraft is in relation to the nose of the plane from the pilots perspective.
If yours has the listing as LIB LOB LOB then it may be a single engine fighter with six guns.(?)

Regards

Vince...

[Vince Malfara]

Hi Mathias

After re-reading your post I see it would be for a fighter aircraft like a P-51D for example and the definitions would be correct as you mention them the "I" stands for IN-Board and the "O" for Out Board.
LIB is Left In Board and first gun closest to the fuselage / wing root, LOB Left Out Board is the first gun left of the first gun therefore making it a center gun and the last LOB is the last gun in the set to the far left. These examples above deal with the Left side of the aircraft ( Port Side)

Sorry if there was any confusion.

KR

Vince...

[Flyingkag]

Hey all,

thanks so much for the detailed answers;

You're right, my question was about a P-51D! 6 machine-guns indeed.

Your explanations are totaly clear and sharp; thanks guys!

Mathias