Comments

"The blended wing's widened fuselage will make for amphitheater-like seating, with long, wide rows. Of course, there will be fewer window seats..." and fewer easy accessible exits, also! Imagine this amphiteater being evacuated after a ditching, a belly landing or an aborted takeoff. For this reason, Boeing reported two years ago: "While a commercial passenger application for the BWB concept is not in Boeing's current 20-year market outlook, the Advanced Systems organization of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems' (IDS) is closely monitoring the research based on the BWB's potential as a flexible, long-range, high-capacity military aircraft". Did they changed their minds? Waiting for an official announcement from Boeing...

"So no, breaking a thermometer on a plane won't destroy it." Not exactly. Mercury is really considered as "dangerous goods" and prohibited in many carriers. Those who permits requires a certified container to hold such stuff during transportation. Loading staff must be properly trained to deal with such cargo, also. Now, imagine that thermometer breaking and leaking its juice inside a plane. Heavy as it is, mercury will fall into the holes and slots of the plane structure and will, finally, reach its destination on the lowest and most inaccessible parts of the hull, performing its chemical talents in a totally disguised way. When found, will be too late: part replacement, IF possible.