November
26, 2006: American federal prosecutors revealed that they are trying an Indian
born American citizen, Noshir S. Gowadia, on charges of spying for China.
Gowadia is alleged to have sold China details of the B-2 bombers engine exhaust
system. This technology makes it more difficult for heat sensors (like heat
seeking missiles) to detect the exhaust of the B-2 engines. Gowadia is also
alleged to have helped Chinese engineers apply this technology to the design of
a stealthy cruise missile. The secrets Gowadia sold would also make it easier
for the Chinese to detect a B-2 bomber. Gowadia is supposed to have helped
China with other matters relating to stealth technology.
Gowadia
has apparently been running a Hawaii based spy ring since 1999, and made six
clandestine trips to China. Gowadia worked on the B-2 project from 1968 to
1986, as one of the designers. Gowadia was arrested a year ago, and his trial
will begin next Summer. He could get life in prison if convicted.
