METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENGAGING HOVERING FLIGHT FOR A ROTARY WING AIRCRAFT, ENABLING IT TO MAINTAIN EITHER TRACK OR HEADING DEPENDING ON ITS FORWARD SPEED

摘要

A method and a system for engaging hovering flight for a rotary wing aircraft. A first mode of operation makes it possible, while the longitudinal speed U_X of the aircraft is greater than a first threshold speed V_thresh1 to approach a stop position S while maintaining track relative to the ground, the flight setpoints of an autopilot being a ground course angle TK_sol, a deceleration rate Ga for the forward speed Va of the aircraft, a pitch angle P, and a heading Ψ. A second mode of operation makes it possible, when the longitudinal speed U_X is less than a second threshold speed V_thresh2, to engage hovering flight at the stop position S while maintaining heading, the flight setpoints being the longitudinal speed U_X, a lateral speed V_Y, a vertical speed W_Z, and the heading Ψ, the speeds U_X, V_Y, and W_Z being reduced progressively to zero speed.