When the sidestick is released with angle of attack protection active, what happens to the angle of attack?

When the sidestick is released with angle of attack protection active, the system is designed to return the angle of attack to the value corresponding to V alpha protection. This is a critical safety feature of the A320, which helps to prevent stall conditions. V alpha protection is specifically set to ensure that the aircraft maintains an angle of attack within a safe range, thus preventing an excessive angle of attack that could lead to a stall.

This function works in conjunction with the flight control laws to automatically regulate and limit the aircraft's angle of attack, ensuring it stays within that predefined safety envelope whenever the pilots release the controls. It allows for a degree of hands-off management in some flight situations, promoting safety without compromising the aircraft's performance.

The other response options reference different speed and performance values that are not directly related to what occurs when the sidestick is released under angle of attack protection. They may imply behavior of the aircraft's performance in various scenarios, but they do not accurately describe the function of angle of attack protection when the sidestick is in a neutral position.