Flight I refers to the initial phase of the United States Navy's Aegis Combat System development, which began in the late 1970s. This phase focused on creating advanced radar and missile systems to enhance naval warfare capabilities. The primary goal was to improve the detection and tracking of airborne threats. The Aegis system was first deployed on the USS Ticonderoga in 1983, marking a significant advancement in naval technology. Flight I ships were equipped with the SPY-1 radar and the Standard Missile system, allowing them to engage multiple targets simultaneously and providing a robust defense against aerial attacks.