XTI Aerospace, Inc. announced on October 14, 2026, that it has appointed Dr. Allan Evans as a director and chairman of its board of directors. The appointment returns the aerospace and drone platform's board to five members.
Leadership changes
In connection with Evans' appointment as chairman, the board designated Jonathan Ornstein as vice chairman of the board, XTI Aerospace stated.
Evans, age 43, has served as chief executive officer and a director of Unusual Machines, Inc. since December 2023. From 2021 to 2023, he served as chief operating officer of drone technology firm Red Cat Holdings, Inc., and previously served as chief executive officer of Fat Shark from 2017 until its acquisition by Red Cat in 2020. He holds a PhD in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan.
Strategy and domestic market focus
Ornstein said Evans brings engineering expertise, corporate strategy experience, and firsthand understanding of the domestic supply chain for the growing U.S. drone industry. Interim CEO Jeremy Schneiderman stated that the company and its subsidiary, Drone Nerds, LLC, are positioning themselves to expand leadership in the U.S. enterprise drone market.
Evans stated that the company has an opportunity to expand its business during what he described as a critical transition away from foreign manufacturers in the U.S. drone market.
Drone platform operations
XTI Aerospace stated that it is focused on building a platform for commercial and government adoption in the unmanned aircraft systems industry. Through Drone Nerds, the company provides hardware sourcing, deployment, training, service, repair, and a proprietary Always Flying program to enterprise and government customers in sectors including public safety, agriculture, construction, and energy.
In cautionary disclosures, the company noted industry trends regarding customer demand for domestically manufactured and NDAA-compliant drones, while citing business risks that include Drone Nerds' reliance on DJI and other foreign suppliers as well as U.S. regulatory restrictions affecting foreign-manufactured drones and components.
Key facts and where they come from
- XTI Aerospace named Dr. Allan Evans as a director and Chairman of its Board of Directors.
announced the appointment of Dr. Allan Evans as a director and Chairman of its Board of Directors.
- Evans' appointment restores the XTI Aerospace board to five members.
His addition returns the Board to five members.
- Jonathan Ornstein was named Vice Chairman in connection with the appointment.
the Board designated Mr. Ornstein as Vice Chairman of the Board.
- Dr. Evans has served as CEO and director of Unusual Machines since December 2023.
currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and a director of Unusual Machines, Inc. (NYSE American: UMAC), positions he has held since December 2023.
- XTI Aerospace serves commercial, enterprise, and government drone customers through its subsidiary Drone Nerds.
Through its subsidiary, Drone Nerds, LLC, XTI supports enterprise and government customers in sectors including public safety, agriculture, construction, and energy