Noshir Gowadia, one of the principal engineers behind the U.S. Air Force’s B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, now resides in one of America’s most secure prisons: ADX Florence — known as “The Alcatraz of the Rockies.” It’s the same facility that once held the Unabomber, 9/11 conspirators, and notorious spies. Gowadia’s offense? Selling some of America’s most sensitive military secrets to foreign governments.
From Aviation Pioneer to Convicted Spy
Born in India in 1944, Noshir Sheriarji Gowadia moved to the United States, became a citizen, and joined Northrop (now Northrop Grumman) in 1968. Over the next two decades, he became a key figure in developing America’s stealth technology. His work helped shape the B-2 bomber, particularly in designing systems to protect the aircraft from heat-seeking missiles.
Gowadia held a Top Secret clearance and contributed to projects like Tacit Blue and, ultimately, the B-2’s stealth propulsion system. However, after leaving Northrop in the late 1990s, his career took a dangerous turn.
Crossing the Line
In 1999, Gowadia launched his own consulting firm, N.S. Gowadia, Inc., to independently offer his expertise. But instead of limiting his work to legal contracts, he began teaching foreign nationals—using information derived from his time at Los Alamos National Laboratory and Northrop.
By 2002, Gowadia had faxed classified infrared technology documents to at least three foreign governments. He also provided China with detailed information on cruise missile systems, including their capabilities against U.S. air-to-air missiles. Though Gowadia claimed some of this data was unclassified, the government strongly disagreed.
Investigators eventually searched his home in Maui, Hawaii, uncovering evidence of communication with up to eight foreign countries. Authorities also believe he traveled to China to help design an exhaust system based on the B-2’s stealth features.
Arrest, Trial, and Conviction
The investigation revealed more than just espionage. While his company reported just $750,000 in gross income, Gowadia had purchased land in Maui and built a $1.6 million mansion. Prosecutors charged him not only with multiple counts of espionage but also with money laundering, including funds believed to have come from the Chinese government.
He was arrested, denied bail, and held for five years before trial. In 2010, a federal jury found him guilty on 14 charges, including six counts of violating the Arms Export Control Act and several counts related to espionage and money laundering. Gowadia was sentenced to 32 years in federal prison.
Fallout and Legacy
While the full extent of the damage caused by Gowadia’s actions remains classified, it’s confirmed that he shared sensitive information with at least China, Germany, and Israel. His case is one of the most severe examples of how insider knowledge from high-level defense contractors can be weaponized when placed in the wrong hands.
Today, Gowadia is among the most notorious inmates at ADX Florence—his legacy overshadowed not by the innovations he helped create, but by the secrets he chose to sell.
