Apparatus and methods for automatically maintaining aircraft track angle

Abstract

There is provided a controller for aiding a pilot to control an airplane's track over the ground. While the airplane is in the air, a lateral control subsystem is provided for automatically holding the aircraft aligned with a desired track angle. Control is initiated when the pilot places the airplane in a wings level condition and centers his roll axis controller (e.g., wheel or stick). An in-air track rate control subsystem is also provided. While the airplane is on the ground, a directional control subsystem is provided which enables the pilot to command track rate or heading rate with rudder pedal inputs. The track/heading rate commands are integrated to generate track/heading angle commands. Feedback control is used to position the rudder and nosewheel steering as required to make the airplane's actual track/heading follow the track/heading commands. Provisions are made to initialize the in-air lateral and on-ground directional control subsystems to provide smooth transitions during takeoff and landing.