Rotorcraft Fly-By-Wire Control Laws

A method of controlling a fly-by-wire rotorcraft comprising:

• receiving a first input command to change a first flight characteristic of the rotorcraft;
• determining whether the first input command reflects a transient condition or a steady-state condition;
• in response to determining the first input command reflects a transient condition, changing the first flight characteristic and automatically changing a second flight characteristic that is coupled to the first flight characteristic;
• and
• in response to determining the first input command reflects a steady-state condition, changing the first flight characteristic without automatically changing the second flight characteristic.

A rotorcraft having at least four axes of control, and including:

• a main rotor;
• an anti-torque device;
• a pilot control assembly;
• and
• a flight control system, wherein the flight control system is configured:
• receive a first command on a first axis of control and generate therefrom signals to change an operating condition of the main rotor or the anti-torque device;
• and
• generate additional signals to change a second operating condition of the main rotor or the anti-torque device when the first command meets a first criteria.