In the paper, the auto-piloted synchronous motor (ASM)with  controlled - current voltage - source inverter is considered. General criteria for its  optimal operation regimes are defined having in view to identify  the adequate  supply current vector control strategies. The input  control  quantiti es are stated  for both variants applicable  to the construction of the ASM rotor excitation  system: with variable inductor flux generated by d.c. - supplied field winding, or  with fixed inductor flux produced by permanent magnets. A number of four different o ptimal operation regimes and corresponding  control methods are defined as follows: at constant excitation flux with fixed,  optimal current control angle, e = 90º  or, with unity power factor value, cos j =  =  1; at constant resulting flux with unity  power factor value, cos j = 1 or, with  fixed optimal current control angle value,  e = 90º. In order to appreciate the  operation regime expediency the following performance indicators have been  considered: the linearity of the torque - current dependency, the  value of the  torque - per - current ratio, the magnitude of the rated apparent power of the  supplying convertor compared to that of the electromagnetic power developed by  the ASM . Conclusions are drawn regarding the control method utility, the  recommended  ASM  construction and the control system requirements.