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.
HCCI and Injection Consultant
🚗 Professor Huynh Thanh Cong is our Compression Ignition Expert. He teaches at the University of Science and Technology in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Professor Cong became an instrumental figure during a pivotal moment in the Rad Cam’s development. When the company that brought the project to Vietnam failed because of a lack of enginering skills, and manufacturing capability, it was Professor Cong’s insight and encouragement that revive the project’s momentum in Vietnam. Professor Cong is a recognized expert in fuel injection and compression combustion, with several published papers, as well as a noted consultant in the field. Professor Cong provided critical guidance on multiple engineering challenges—including the resolution of specialized material issues during prototype construction. “When others stepped back, he stepped in.” His technical acumen and steadfast support not only helped salvage the project but also solidified Vietnam’s role in the Rad Cam journey. His contributions remain embedded in Kamtech’s commitment to innovation and persistence.
Assembly Engineer
🚗 Phạm Duy Tùng Relentless Ingenuity Behind the Final Prototype Despite being the youngest team member, Tùng has been with the project longer than anyone—and his impact has only deepened over time. As Kamtech’s final prototype neared completion, it was Tùng’s hands-on expertise and relentless problem-solving that carried the design across the finish line. With a background in advanced engine technologies, including experience on some of the industry’s most sophisticated builds, Tùng brought rare skills and a global vendor network to the table. He became the linchpin for sourcing, adapting, and perfecting every component of the Rad Cam’s culminating design. More than just a builder, Tùng was a vocal contributor in technical debates—his ideas often grounded in obscure research or hard-won experience—and it was this spark that helped steer the project clear of dead ends. “Without Tùng’s tireless contribution, there would be no Kamtech OBE.” His story is a testament to youthful mastery, long-haul dedication, and the kind of quiet leadership that moves innovation forward.
CTO and Patent holder
💡🚗Duncalf’s vision for energy independence is shaped by a pivotal story from 1923. At just 15 years old, his father engineered a wind-powered generator to electrify the family farm—decades before rural electrification reached the region. Using salvaged railroad signal batteries, he stored enough energy to power the property, earning local recognition as the “electric farm.” That early innovation was short-lived. Twelve years later, authorities dismantled the system and required connection to a centralized, coal-powered plant operated by private interests—effectively ending independent energy generation on the property. This early experience underscored the tension between individual ingenuity and consolidated energy control. Today, similar dynamics persist. In many countries, major energy providers are seeking legal exclusivity in motive power markets. These efforts raise questions about how energy is generated, distributed, and regulated—and whether current methods prioritize public interest, sustainability, or safety. “From windmills to Rad Cams, the drive for independent, cleaner energy continues.” Duncalf’s work with Kamtech reflects a commitment to innovation that resists conventional limitations and reimagines what’s possible in energy design