Re:well.. (Score 2, Informative)

You mean like the alternate design with stages that used the Saturn F-1 engine? http://www.nasm.si.edu/exhibitions/gal114/SpaceRac e/sec500/sec542.htm has photos and descriptions of the preliminary designs. Seems like the CEV will likely be top-mounted rather than side-mounted. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crew_Exploration_Vehi cle (Please, no side-talking jokes.)