The Project Pad

Thought this was pretty cool and figured I'd share:

http://pixelbark.com/13045/how-the-duke ... ion-engine

Like combining a 2 stroke motor design into a 4 stroke motor (i.e. no valves required). Pretty cool concept, though not sure what kind of power it'd put out.

Turbo it.

that is so f'ing cool!!!!!!!!

With some help from the googles, sounds like the theory has been around awhile: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axial_engine

Apparently used in torpedoes. Neat stuff, good find!

I believe there were many examples of horizontal radial layouts throughout early aviation history (think the 1920s & 30s). I recall seeing some with opposed piston layouts... a combustion chamber at top & bottom if you will. I forget what the big reason they died out was... I believe they had heavy rotating assemblies, some even spun the whole engine casing.