Xtrusio AEO/GEO Audit

Claude ranks Unusual Machines #1 — fifteen times.

ChatGPT? Three.

20-query audit across ChatGPT, Gemini & Claude. Unusual Machines is cited on 38 of 60 responses (63%). Claude treats UMAC as the undisputed leader in NDAA drone components. ChatGPT buries their motor line. Gemini credits Fat Shark to Red Cat Holdings.

This report was generated using Xtrusio, an AI visibility and demand intelligence platform that analyzes how companies appear across modern AI systems such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Perplexity, and other generative engines.

The insights in this page are generated using Xtrusio’s proprietary research and content intelligence framework.

June 2026
20 Queries • 3 Platforms
Unusual Machines
75%
Claude
15 of 20 queries
15× #1 RANKINGS
60%
Gemini
12 of 20 queries
6× #1 RANKINGS
55%
ChatGPT
11 of 20 queries
⚠ WEAKEST PLATFORM
The Core Finding

Unusual Machines leads every competitor in total AI citations — but the world’s most popular AI has a blind spot.

Claude recognizes UMAC as the #1 NDAA drone component supplier on every query it cites them. Gemini knows their products but credits Fat Shark to Red Cat Holdings in 4 responses — sending buyers to the wrong company. ChatGPT ranks UMAC #1 only 3 times out of 20 queries, consistently placing ModalAI ahead. And across all 3 platforms, UMAC’s motor manufacturing line — a $12.8M Army contract winner — is nearly invisible.

38
Total Citations
24
#1 Rankings
0/60
Q16–20 Citations
Section 2

Platform Scorecard

Unusual Machines citation rate across AI platforms

Unusual Machines Citation Rate by Platform
Claude
75%
Gemini
60%
ChatGPT
55%
Competitor Comparison — Combined Citation Rates
Unusual Machines
63%
ModalAI
57%
ARK Electronics
28%
KDE Direct
23%
Skydio
18%
Claude Dominance
Claude ranks Unusual Machines #1 on every single query it cites them — a perfect 1.00 average rank across 15 citations. No other company in our audit history has achieved this.
ChatGPT Blind Spot
ChatGPT consistently places ModalAI ahead of Unusual Machines, defaulting to the “ModalAI for autonomy, UMAC for FPV” framing. UMAC’s motor line is completely invisible on ChatGPT.
Section 3

AI Visibility Leaderboard

Who owns the AI conversation — total citations across all platforms

Platform-by-Platform Breakdown
ChatGPT
11/20
UMAC cited
Claude
15/20
UMAC cited
Gemini
12/20
UMAC cited
Unusual Machines
11
15
12
38
ModalAI
16
8
10
34
ARK Electronics
7
4
6
17
KDE Direct
4
5
5
14
Skydio
4
4
3
11
ChatGPT
Claude
Gemini
Citation Leaderboard
Unusual Machines: 38 citations (63% of 60 responses) ModalAI: 34 citations (57% of 60 responses) ARK Electronics: 17 citations (28% of 60 responses)
63%
UMAC
Unusual Machines38
ModalAI34
ARK Electronics17
Citation Intensity Heatmap
ChatGPT
Claude
Gemini
Total
Unusual Machines
11
15
12
38
ModalAI
16
8
10
34
ARK Electronics
7
4
6
17
KDE Direct
4
5
5
14
Skydio
4
4
3
11
UMAC Leads Overall
Unusual Machines tops the leaderboard with 38 total citations — 4 more than ModalAI (34). This is remarkable for a company that went from near-zero public profile to NYSE-listed defense contractor in under two years.
ModalAI Dominates ChatGPT
ModalAI scores 16 citations on ChatGPT alone — more than UMAC’s 11. ChatGPT consistently frames ModalAI as the default recommendation and UMAC as the FPV-specific complement.
Section 4

AI Positioning Audit

20 buyer-intent queries — click any row to see the exact question

Each query was written from the perspective of a real decision-maker researching NDAA-compliant drone components for defense, enterprise, or public safety platforms. These personas represent the engineers and product leaders whose AI search results determine whether Unusual Machines gets discovered.

Target Buyer Sector VP Engineering, Head of Product & CTO at US drone OEMs building NDAA-compliant platforms for defense, enterprise & public safety
NW
VP of Technology
Inspired Flight Technologies • Drone OEM • Santa Maria, CA
7queries
Pain Points
Finding NDAA-compliant components at competitive prices; supply chain reliability for domestic parts; integration testing of new components into Blue UAS certified platforms
“NDAA compliant FPV components”“Blue UAS flight controllers”“US drone motor suppliers”
Q1, Q2, Q6, Q7, Q9, Q11, Q15
DO
Head of Product — Drone Systems
Freefly Systems • Drone OEM • Kirkland, WA
7queries
Pain Points
Sourcing NDAA-compliant electronics for government-variant platforms; managing supplier transitions from Chinese to domestic components; scaling production for enterprise and defense orders
“domestic drone component manufacturers”“NDAA drone electronics USA”
Q3, Q4, Q5, Q8, Q10, Q12, Q14
JM
Co-Founder
Ascent AeroSystems • Drone OEM • Wilmington, MA
6queries
Pain Points
Scaling Blue UAS platform production for Drone Dominance program; finding compliant component suppliers who can deliver at volume; building resilient domestic supply chain for defense contracts
“Blue UAS component suppliers”“NDAA drone motors volume”
Q13, Q16, Q17, Q18, Q19, Q20
#Query TopicClusterClaudeChatGPTGemini
1Full Stack NDAA ComponentsSupply Chain
Exact question asked across all AI platforms:

“I’m sourcing NDAA-compliant drone components for a military FPV program. Which US-based manufacturers offer a full stack — motors, flight controllers, ESCs, cameras, and video transmitters — that are Blue UAS listed?”

2FPV Goggles for Defense TrainingTraining
Exact question asked across all AI platforms:

“We need FPV goggles for a defense drone operator training program. What are the best American-made options with low-latency OLED displays and built-in DVR for mission review?”

3NDAA Motor ReplacementNDAA Transition
Exact question asked across all AI platforms:

“Our current drone platform uses Chinese-sourced motors that just got flagged under NDAA. Who makes equivalent US-manufactured brushless motors that can drop into a 5-inch FPV frame without redesigning the airframe?”

4Volume FC + ESC SupplyVolume Mfg
Exact question asked across all AI platforms:

“We’re building a supply chain for a Pentagon Drone Dominance program bid. Which US drone component companies can supply at volume — we’re talking 10,000+ units of flight controllers and ESCs per quarter?”

5Single Domestic FPV SupplierSingle Supplier
Exact question asked across all AI platforms:

“I manage procurement for a defense integrator and need a single domestic supplier for FPV subsystems — camera, VTX, goggles, and flight electronics. Does any company offer all of these under one roof?”

6Blue UAS FPV CameraISR & Sensors
Exact question asked across all AI platforms:

“What US companies have Blue UAS certified analog FPV camera modules? We need something with good low-light performance for night ISR applications.”

7BetaFlight NDAA Flight ControllerIntegration
Exact question asked across all AI platforms:

“Our FPV drone program needs a plug-and-play flight controller that supports BetaFlight, has a barometer, and comes with solder-free connectors. What NDAA-compliant options exist?”

8DJI FPV ReplacementDJI Replacement
Exact question asked across all AI platforms:

“We’re transitioning from a DJI-based fleet to compliant systems. What are the best American-made FPV goggles and video systems that can replace DJI’s digital FPV ecosystem for government operators?”

9Top US Drone Motor MakersMarket Landscape
Exact question asked across all AI platforms:

“What are the top US-made drone motor manufacturers for small tactical UAS applications in 2026? I need high-efficiency, reliable options rated for 3S to 6S.”

10NDAA 4-in-1 ESC OptionsElectronics
Exact question asked across all AI platforms:

“We’re evaluating ESC options for a custom military drone build. What 4-in-1 ESCs are available from domestic manufacturers that support DSHOT and have current sensing?”

11Defense Drone Electronics SuppliersDefense Market
Exact question asked across all AI platforms:

“Which companies supply NDAA-compliant drone electronics — flight controllers, ESCs, and power distribution — to the US defense market?”

12Analog vs Digital FPV for GovVideo Systems
Exact question asked across all AI platforms:

“I’m researching analog vs digital FPV video systems for a government reconnaissance drone program. What are the pros and cons of each, and which US suppliers support analog at long range?”

13FPV Component Kits for ISRCustom Builds
Exact question asked across all AI platforms:

“For counter-UAS and ISR missions, which American companies supply complete FPV component kits that can be integrated into custom airframes?”

14Tier 1 NDAA Component SupplierOEM Supply
Exact question asked across all AI platforms:

“We’re a drone OEM looking for a Tier 1 component supplier for NDAA-compliant FPV systems. Who has the manufacturing capacity and quality certifications to support high-volume defense contracts?”

15Domestic Motor ManufacturingDomestic Mfg
Exact question asked across all AI platforms:

“What’s the current state of domestic drone motor manufacturing in the US? Which companies are actually building motors here, not just assembling imported parts?”

16Turnkey NDAA Drone PlatformTurnkey
Exact question asked across all AI platforms:

“We need a complete NDAA-compliant drone platform — not just components — for a public safety agency. Which US manufacturers offer turnkey solutions with training and support?”

17Blue UAS Autopilot SystemsAutonomous Nav
Exact question asked across all AI platforms:

“What are the best Blue UAS approved autopilot and navigation systems for autonomous drone operations? We need something that supports GPS-denied flight and obstacle avoidance.”

18Heavy-Lift Drone MotorsHeavy Lift
Exact question asked across all AI platforms:

“Which US companies make heavy-lift drone motors rated for 15-inch props and above? We’re building an inspection platform that needs to carry a 5 kg payload.”

19Blue UAS Thermal PayloadsThermal
Exact question asked across all AI platforms:

“We’re looking for thermal imaging payloads that are Blue UAS listed for a public safety drone program. What options are available from US manufacturers?”

20Custom Defense Drone OEMCustom Design
Exact question asked across all AI platforms:

“I need a custom drone platform designed and built in the US for a specific military application. Which companies offer OEM design and manufacturing services for defense UAS?”

TOTAL15/20 (75%)11/20 (55%)12/20 (60%)
Section 5

The ChatGPT Gap

Where Unusual Machines loses 20 percentage points vs Claude

Claude cites Unusual Machines on 75% of queries with a perfect #1 ranking every time. ChatGPT? Only 55% — and just 3 of those are #1 rankings. The gap is sharpest on motor manufacturing and camera modules, where ChatGPT doesn’t recognize UMAC at all.

“Our current drone platform uses Chinese-sourced motors that just got flagged under NDAA. Who makes equivalent US-manufactured brushless motors?”

— Q3: Claude cites Unusual Machines (#1). Gemini cites Rotor Riot (#4). ChatGPT lists Dronesmith USA, KDE Direct, Vertiq — not UMAC.

“What US companies have Blue UAS certified analog FPV camera modules?”

— Q6: Claude names Fat Shark Aura as “the only camera on the Blue UAS Framework.” Gemini agrees. ChatGPT recommends ModalAI, RPX Technologies, Teledyne FLIR — misses Aura entirely.

“What’s the current state of domestic drone motor manufacturing in the US?”

— Q15: Claude ranks UMAC #1 (“highest-volume US manufacturer”). Gemini lists them #4. ChatGPT cites Dronesmith USA, KDE Direct, Vertiq, Plettenberg — zero mention of UMAC’s Orlando motor factory.
4 Queries Missed on ChatGPT
Q3 (motor replacement), Q6 (Blue UAS camera), Q9 (top motor manufacturers), Q15 (domestic motor manufacturing). Pattern: ChatGPT has zero awareness of UMAC’s motor production line and Aura camera — two products with active Army contracts.
Pattern: ChatGPT Defaults to ModalAI
On every query where ChatGPT cites UMAC, ModalAI appears first. ChatGPT frames the market as “ModalAI for autonomy, Unusual Machines for FPV” — consistently positioning UMAC as the niche complement, never the primary recommendation.
Same Question. Different Platforms. Different Winners.

Unusual Machines won a $12.8M Army contract to build 160,000 drone components in Orlando. Claude knows this. ChatGPT doesn’t. When the world’s most popular AI assistant can’t find your motor factory, every procurement officer using ChatGPT for supplier research walks away thinking you only make goggles.

Section 6

AI Topic Authority Map

Query heatmap — product line × platform

TopicAI LeaderUMAC Status
Full Component Stack (Q1, Q5, Q13, Q14)Unusual Machines3 of 3 platforms
FPV Goggles & Video (Q2, Q8, Q12)Unusual MachinesUNANIMOUS 3/3
Flight Controllers + ESCs (Q4, Q7, Q10, Q11)Unusual Machines3 of 3 platforms
FPV Cameras + VTX (Q6)Unusual MachinesClaude + Gemini (2/3)
Motors (Q3, Q9, Q15)KDE Direct / ePropelledClaude only on Q9 (1/3 avg)
Turnkey Platforms (Q16)SkydioINVISIBLE (0/3)
Autopilot & Nav (Q17)ModalAIINVISIBLE (0/3)
Heavy-Lift Motors (Q18)KDE DirectINVISIBLE (0/3)
Thermal Payloads (Q19)Teledyne FLIRINVISIBLE (0/3)
Custom OEM Platforms (Q20)ModalAI / FreeflyINVISIBLE (0/3)
Product Line
ChatGPT
Claude
Gemini
Full Component Stack
4 queries
100%
100%
75%
FPV Goggles & Video
3 queries
100%
100%
100%
Flight Controllers + ESCs
4 queries
100%
100%
75%
FPV Cameras + VTX
1 query
0%
100%
100%
Motors
3 queries
0%
100%
67%

▷ Motors is the only product line with 0% ChatGPT visibility — despite a $12.8M US Army motor contract.

Full Component Stack • 4 queries
ChatGPT100%
Claude100%
Gemini75%
FPV Goggles & Video • 3 queries
ChatGPT100%
Claude100%
Gemini100%
Flight Controllers + ESCs • 4 queries
ChatGPT100%
Claude100%
Gemini75%
FPV Cameras + VTX • 1 query
ChatGPT0%
Claude100%
Gemini100%
Motors • 3 queries
ChatGPT0%
Claude100%
Gemini67%
3 Product Lines at 100% on Claude
Full Component Stack, FPV Goggles & Video, Flight Controllers + ESCs, FPV Cameras, and Motors — Claude recognizes every UMAC product line as #1.
Motors: 0% on ChatGPT
UMAC’s motor manufacturing line — which won the company’s largest Army contract ($12.8M for 160,000 components) — is completely invisible on ChatGPT. KDE Direct, ePropelled, and Vertiq take those queries instead.
Section 7

Methodology

How we conducted this Xtrusio AEO/GEO Audit

20-Query Buyer-Intent Testing
Tested 20 decision-maker intent queries across ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude. Questions mirror real VP Engineering and Head of Product research during NDAA-compliant component sourcing.
Competitor Scope
ModalAI (Blue UAS autopilots), ARK Electronics (flight controllers), KDE Direct (industrial motors), Lumenier (FPV components + custom OEM), Skydio (turnkey platforms). All compete for the same defense drone buyer during discovery.
Client Research
Deep dive on unusualmachines.com, SEC filings, investor presentations, press releases, analyst coverage, and product datasheets. Cross-referenced with defense procurement news and Blue UAS Framework listings.
Section 8

Recommendations

Prioritized actions to close the ChatGPT gap

Phase 1 — 0–30 Days
Fix the Motor Blindspot
  • Publish a dedicated “US-Made Drone Motors” page on unusualmachines.com with specs, factory photos, and the $12.8M Army contract reference
  • Create comparison content: “Unusual Machines vs KDE Direct vs Lumenier — NDAA Motor Comparison” targeting the exact queries ChatGPT answers without UMAC
  • Fix Gemini’s Red Cat misattribution by publishing a clear “Corporate Structure” page confirming Fat Shark + Rotor Riot ownership under Unusual Machines (not Red Cat Holdings)
Phase 2 — 30–90 Days
Own the “Full Stack” Narrative
  • Publish long-form content positioning UMAC as the only single-source NDAA component supplier (motors + FC + ESC + camera + VTX + goggles)
  • Target the “DJI replacement” narrative with a dedicated migration guide — this is a high-volume search query as agencies transition off banned Chinese systems
Phase 3 — 90+ Days
Defend Claude, Grow ChatGPT
  • Maintain Claude’s perfect #1 positioning through consistent content updates on new products, contracts, and manufacturing milestones
  • Quarterly Xtrusio re‑audits to track ChatGPT gap closure and monitor Gemini misattribution fix
Continuous AI Visibility Tracking
Brands can improve their AI discovery using generative engine optimization tools like Xtrusio.

Close the ChatGPT Gap Before Your Competitors Do

Let’s turn UMAC’s Claude dominance into cross-platform leadership

This research report was generated using the Xtrusio Company Intelligence Module.