From September 28 to October 3, 2025, the 74th edition of the ARA (Aeroballistic Range Association) was held at the Grand Couvent de Gramat, in the Lot region of France. The event was co-organized by Thiot Ingénierie (Eurenco Group) and CEA Gramat. Over the course of a week, around one hundred participants from around the world — scientists, engineers, and industry representatives — came together to share their work, compare experiences, and exchange on the use of laboratory launchers.
A scientific and human encounter
This 2025 edition fully played its role as a platform for scientific exchange. Its goal was to bring together the international community of laboratory launcher users — testing facilities that enable the study of dynamic phenomena such as impacts, shock waves, and controlled explosions.
Throughout the sessions, participants (from public research laboratories, private research centers, and industry) presented various studies carried out using laboratory launchers, particularly in the defense and aerospace fields. These works helped deepen the understanding of material behavior under extreme stress, projectile flight, and the effects of impacts or explosions observed during firing tests.
Discussions also highlighted advances in high-speed instrumentation, essential for observing and analyzing dynamic phenomena, as well as developments in numerical simulation aimed at improving their modeling.
Safety in the operation of facilities was also a major theme. The experience shared by different users helped highlight proven practices and encourage new approaches to risk management.
This diversity of viewpoints and expertise created a genuine dynamic of exchange: participants were able to compare their methods, share technical challenges, and jointly identify areas for improvement.
Alongside the technical conferences, an exhibition area brought together sixteen companies specializing in high-speed instrumentation and metrology, presenting their solutions to participants. Ultra-high-speed visible and thermal cameras, sensors and acquisition systems, dynamic X-ray equipment, radar instruments, pulsed high-voltage devices, and dynamic numerical simulation software illustrated the latest developments in the field. This space strengthened the link between experimental research and technological innovation.
An exceptional setting and memorable moments
The Grand Couvent de Gramat — equipped with a seminar room, multiple work spaces, and a tree-lined park — provided an ideal setting throughout the week.
In addition to the technical sessions, participants enjoyed a rich program of visits in the Dordogne Valley. A tour of the Lacave caves, accompanied by a Celtic harp concert, opened the week. Visits to Rocamadour and Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne then allowed attendees to discover some of the region’s most iconic sites.
The week concluded with a gala dinner offering a panoramic view of Rocamadour. This festive evening also provided the opportunity to reward students for the quality of their technical presentations. Finally, visits to the CEA Gramat facilities and the Thiot Ingénierie laboratory gave participants a concrete insight into the experimental resources deployed locally, highlighting the expertise of the two organizing institutions.
A warm atmosphere and fruitful exchanges
This edition will be remembered for its particularly warm atmosphere and the richness of the technical discussions. Conversations continued well beyond the sessions — during meals, visits, and evening events — fostering strong ties within the community.
The organizers from Thiot Ingénierie and CEA Gramat thank all participants for their involvement, enthusiasm, and the quality of the work presented, which contributed to making this edition a great success. Warm thanks also go to the organizational teams for delivering such an ambitious event.
Heading to Santa Cruz in 2026
The next edition will be held in 2026 in Santa Cruz (California, USA), where the laboratory launcher community will continue its reflections and exchanges, in the same spirit that characterized this successful week in Gramat.
