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

Abstract

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 Uof the aircraft is greater than a first threshold speed Vto approach a stop position S while maintaining track relative to the ground, the flight setpoints of an autopilot being a ground course angle TK, a deceleration rate Ga for the forward speed Va of the aircraft, a flight path angle P, and a heading Ψ. A second mode of operation makes it possible, when the longitudinal speed Uis less than a second threshold speed V, to engage hovering flight at the stop position S while maintaining heading, the flight setpoints being the longitudinal speed U, a lateral speed V, a vertical speed W, and the heading Ψ, the speeds U, V, and Wbeing reduced progressively to zero speed.