Why the Designer of B-2 Stealth Bomber is in Supermax Prison

Summary

The script narrates the story of Noshir Gowadia, an engineer who contributed to the design of the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber, leading to his eventual downfall due to greed. After leaving Northrop Grumman, Gowadia sold classified stealth technology to foreign governments, including China, potentially impacting their military advancements. His actions resulted in espionage charges, a trial, and a 32-year prison sentence, with a release date coinciding with the B-2's retirement.

Takeaways

• 😰 Noshir Gowadia, an aerospace engineer, was convicted of espionage for selling classified information related to the B-2 stealth bomber.
• 🛫 The B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber, designed by Northrop Grumman, is renowned for its unique 'flying wing' silhouette and stealth capabilities.
• 🔧 Gowadia played a crucial role in the B-2's design, particularly in its propulsion system that allowed it to evade heat-seeking missiles.
• 💸 Driven by greed, Gowadia left Northrop Grumman to establish his own consulting firm, where he sold sensitive military technology for profit.
• 🌍 He traveled to China, among other countries, potentially contributing to their development of stealth aircraft and missiles.
• 📄 Classified documents were found in Gowadia's possession, and he admitted to sharing secrets through various means, including faxes and teaching courses.
• 🏢 His company, N.S. Gowadia Inc, was used as a front to market his expertise and sell stolen military technology.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Gowadia's actions are suspected to have influenced the development of several Chinese military aircraft, including the J-20 stealth fighter.
• 📉 The trial was delayed multiple times, with Gowadia's defense claiming he was unfit to stand trial due to a personality disorder, a claim the court rejected.
• ⏱️ He was sentenced to 32 years in prison, with a scheduled release in 2032, coinciding with the B-2's retirement.

Q & A

What was Noshir Gowadia's role in the development of the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber?

Noshir Gowadia was a key designer at Northrop Grumman Corporation and played a pivotal role in the designing and creation of the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber, particularly in making the aircraft stealthier and developing its propulsion system to avoid detection by heat-seeking missiles.

Why was Noshir Gowadia's trial delayed?

Gowadia's trial was delayed due to the need for a rigorous background check of his legal counsel, given the highly sensitive nature of the classified information involved. Additionally, there were further delays due to Gowadia's uncooperative behavior with his lawyers, leading to assessments of his mental wellbeing and fitness to stand trial.

What were the charges against Noshir Gowadia?

Noshir Gowadia was charged with willfully communicating national defense information to unauthorized parties, which is considered an act of espionage and treason. He was also charged with assisting in the design of stealth technology for Chinese cruise missiles, as well as money laundering and tax evasion.

What was the significance of the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber's design in terms of military strategy?

The B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber's design allowed it to avoid detection by enemy radar systems, which was crucial for conducting air strikes and potentially nuclear bombings deep in enemy territory without being spotted. This was particularly important during the Cold War era when the threat of nuclear war was high.

How did the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber's propulsion system contribute to its stealth capabilities?

The B-2 was powered by four turbofan engines instead of afterburners. Turbofan engines are quieter and more powerful, making them ideal for propelling a heavy bomber while remaining hidden. They also produce less infrared emissions, reducing the risk of detection by heat-seeking missiles.

What was the cost associated with the development and production of the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber?

The development, engineering, testing, and production of the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber cost around $2.13 billion US dollars on average. Each craft cost almost $740 million to build, with an additional average of a little under $930 million per plane in total procurement costs.

What was the outcome of Noshir Gowadia's trial?

Noshir Gowadia was found guilty by the jury in August 2010. In January 2011, he was sentenced to 32 years in prison, with a scheduled release in February 2032.

How did Noshir Gowadia's actions potentially impact the development of other countries' stealth technology?

Gowadia is suspected to have contributed to or indirectly helped start the development of several stealth plane projects by the Chinese military, including the Shenyang J-16 Silent Flanker and the Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter, by selling them classified stealth technology information.

What was the first combat deployment of the B-2 stealth bomber?

The first combat deployment of the B-2 stealth bomber was during Operation Allied Force in 1999, where it was used to strike at Serbian air defense systems and military installations.

What is the record held by the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber in terms of aerial combat missions?

The B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber holds the record for the longest aerial combat mission of all time, flying for 44 hours from the United States to Afghanistan in 2001, with a 45-minute stop for servicing and crew change, and then flying back for 30 hours.

What was the cost of the B-2 Spirit bomber crash in 2008 at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam?

The crash of the B-2 Spirit bomber in 2008 at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam is considered the most expensive aircraft crash in history, with an estimated cost of almost one and a half billion US dollars.