Noshir Gowadia: The B-2 Bomber Engineer Who Became a Convicted Spy

From celebrated aerospace engineer to convicted spy—the story of Noshir Gowadia is a dramatic tale of brilliance, ambition, and betrayal. As one of the principal architects behind the iconic B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, Gowadia’s legacy is forever entwined with both American military innovation and one of the most significant espionage cases in U.S. history.

Early Life and Career

Born on April 11, 1944, in Mumbai (then Bombay), India, to a Parsi family, Noshir Gowadia was recognized for his exceptional intellect from a young age. Reports suggest he earned the equivalent of a PhD by age 15, though details about this claim remain debated. At 19, he moved to the United States to study aeronautical engineering, later becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1969.

Gowadia joined Northrop Corporation (now Northrop Grumman) in 1968 and spent nearly two decades shaping the future of American stealth technology165. He was instrumental in developing the B-2 Spirit bomber’s propulsion system, focusing on minimizing the aircraft’s infrared and radar signatures. His innovations in exhaust design and radar-absorbing materials made the B-2 virtually invisible to enemy detection, earning him the nickname “father of the technology that protects the B-2 stealth bomber from heat-seeking missiles”.

The Fall: From Engineer to Accused Spy

In 1986, Gowadia left Northrop Grumman after being diagnosed with a rare blood disorder23. He later founded his own consulting firm, N.S. Gowadia, Inc., and continued working on classified defense projects until his security clearance was revoked in 1997.

By the early 2000s, Gowadia found himself in financial trouble, struggling to pay the mortgage on a lavish home in Maui, Hawaii. Desperate for money, he began offering his expertise to foreign governments. Between 2003 and 2005, he made several trips to China under false identities, allegedly helping Chinese officials design an exhaust nozzle for a stealth cruise missile using classified B-2 technology. He reportedly received $110,000 for his services, which he used to pay off his debts.

Arrest and Trial

Gowadia’s activities did not go unnoticed. In 2005, federal agents raided his home and discovered 500 pounds of classified material23. He was arrested and charged with espionage, violation of the Arms Export Control Act, and several related crimes.

The trial, held in the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii, was one of the most significant espionage prosecutions in recent U.S. history. Gowadia was accused of selling classified information not only to China but also to individuals in Germany, Israel, and Switzerland. Prosecutors argued that Gowadia’s actions directly threatened U.S. national security by advancing the military capabilities of foreign adversaries.

On August 9, 2010, Gowadia was convicted on 14 of 17 charges. On January 24, 2011, he was sentenced to 32 years in prison, with Judge Susan Oki Mollway stating that he had “broken his oath of loyalty” to the United States.

Legacy and Impact

Noshir Gowadia’s case is a stark reminder of the risks posed by insider threats in the defense industry. His technical brilliance helped shape one of the most advanced military aircraft ever built, but his betrayal highlighted vulnerabilities in safeguarding classified information.

The B-2 Spirit bomber, which Gowadia helped design, remains a symbol of American military power. Capable of carrying up to 30,000 pounds of bombs and evading radar detection, the B-2 has been deployed in high-profile operations, including recent strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Gowadia’s story resurfaces whenever the B-2 makes headlines, underscoring the enduring impact of his actions, both as an innovator and as a cautionary tale.

Key Takeaways

• Noshir Gowadia was a principal designer of the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber’s propulsion system.
• He was convicted in 2010 of selling classified U.S. military secrets to China and other countries.
• Gowadia’s case is considered one of the most significant espionage trials in U.S. history.
• He was sentenced to 32 years in prison for his crimes.