Method for automatically tracking the trajectory of an aircraft using an autopilot and associated aircraft

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for automatically tracking the trajectory of an aircraft (1) using an autopilot (2). Such a method includes, in particular, the generation by a flight management system (3) of the aircraft (1) of a flight trajectory in at least two dimensions, the transfer of said trajectory from the flight management system (3) to a computer (4) of the autopilot (2) of said aircraft (1), the identification of a current position of the aircraft (1) measured by a positioning system (5), and the extraction by said computer (4) of a setpoint position of said trajectory comprising at least a setpoint latitude and a setpoint longitude, this extraction being implemented at least as a function of said current position of the aircraft (1).this setpoint position being located downstream of said current position in a direction of movement of said aircraft (1) along said trajectory and control by said autopilot (2) of at least one actuator (6, 16) enabling the movement of an aerodynamic control surface (8, 18) so that said aircraft (1) moves towards said setpoint position. Abbreviated figure: Figure 1,

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