The RIM-24 Tartar is a naval surface-to-air missile developed by the United States in the 1950s. It was designed to provide ships with a defense against incoming aircraft and was primarily used by the U.S. Navy and allied forces. The missile has a range of approximately 20 miles and is guided by a semi-active radar system. The Tartar missile system was often deployed on various classes of ships, including destroyers and cruisers. It served as a precursor to more advanced missile systems, such as the RIM-66 Standard, and played a significant role in enhancing naval air defense capabilities during the Cold War era.