The person who ignited the Rad Cam Revolution
Professor Antoni K. Oppenheim was more than a scientist—he was the guiding force behind a new era in combustion engineering. A pioneer in his field, his journey began in the 1940s, contributing to advanced aircraft engines in the UK after escaping war-torn Poland. Understanding internal combustion is one of engineering’s greatest challenges—where flame fronts, pressure, and temperature dance invisibly in confined, volatile spaces. Few dared to rethink the venerable Otto cycle. But Professor Oppenheim saw its limits and envisioned better ways to manage IC engines, which he recorded in several publications for future engineers to discover. Armed with endless curiosity and groundbreaking ideas, he became a quiet titan of innovation. His wisdom shaped the Earthstar Rad Cam engine, and many of his insights proved foundational to its design and performance. “He never shied away from problems we brought to him. Instead, he would give us several possible solutions.” His legacy lives on in the Kamtech On Board Energy unit—a design poised to become the Emancipation Proclamation of electric mobility. By liberating EVs from grid dependence and battery excess, his influence gives new freedom to manufacturers, drivers, and the future of transportation. Though his presence is deeply missed, his vision continues to illuminate the path forward.
Maveric of motion!
Few names carry the weight in engine design that Smokey Yunick does. Renowned for his legendary work with Hudson, Ford, and General Motors, Smokey wasn’t just an innovator—he was a force of nature. In 1991, when Duncalf committed to building the “ideal engine,” he turned to Smokey. Within days of hearing Oppenheim’s challenge, Smokey responded with a game-changing insight: the constant acceleration cam profile. This bold idea reduced initial force while increasing dwell time at either end of the stroke—boosting power, efficiency, and durability. Smokey’s obsession with reclaiming waste heat and improving fuel economy directly inspired the Rad Cam’s internal cooling system. His belief in our work was fierce, unwavering… and contagious. “When Smokey believed in you, you had no choice but to rise to it.” That belief helped shape our engine into what it is today. The Kamtech On Board Energy platform stands as a tribute to Smokey’s genius and unrelenting faith.
Engine designer/builder
Mark Beierle, owner of Earthstar Aircraft Company, was the first licensee of the Rad Cam engine. Leading his team through multiple prototype iterations, he played a crucial role in refining the design. The final prototype—a production-ready version—provided undeniable proof that Professor Oppenheim’s theories on combustion dynamics, documented in his papers and books, were correct. Together, Duncalf, Yunick, and Beierle transformed Oppenheim’s concepts into a functioning engine with a thermal efficiency approaching 50%—a groundbreaking achievement in powertrain innovation. Beierle’s expertise in engine design, his relentless dedication to building and testing, and his determination to see the Rad Cam succeed were instrumental in turning it into a practical and efficient power source capable of revolutionizing the EV sector. Had the economic crisis of 2008 not disrupted funding opportunities just as he was seeking seed capital, the project may have moved forward at an even faster pace. His efforts laid the groundwork for Kamtech's On Board Energy technology.