In the context of takeoff, what does the term "V1" refer to?

The term "V1" refers to the decision speed beyond which takeoff should not be aborted. This is a critical point during the takeoff roll, as it's the speed at which a pilot must make a decision to either continue the takeoff or abort it in the event of an issue, such as an engine failure. If the aircraft reaches V1 and a problem occurs, the pilot is committed to takeoff because stopping the aircraft safely on the runway may not be possible. Understanding V1 is vital for pilots, as it plays a significant role in safety and performance calculations, ensuring that they are prepared for various scenarios during the critical phases of taking off.