Battlecruiser 17, a Munificent-class star frigate, served actively within the Confederacy of Independent Systems' navy. During the Ryloth blockade in 21 BBY, part of the broader Clone Wars, this frigate fell under the command of Captain Mar Tuuk. From his Lucrehulk-class Battleship command ship, Tuuk anticipated a Galactic Republic response and strategically positioned Battlecruiser 17 outside the main combat area.
When Anakin Skywalker's Republic fleet arrived, led by the Jedi General, Battlecruiser 17, along with three other Munificent-class frigates, was summoned as reinforcement. Following an initial Republic fallback, they returned with an altered strategy. In this second engagement, Ahsoka Tano, Skywalker's Padawan and a Jedi Commander, managed to breach the blockade by destroying all six frigates, including Battlecruiser 17.
Battlecruiser 17, a Munificent-class star frigate, measured 825 meters long, 426 meters wide, and 243 meters high. Propelled by seven ion engine thrusters at its rear, it also featured a hyperdrive generator and a pair of hyperwave supralight transceivers. Bearing the Confederacy of Independent Systems' hex icon, the frigate wielded two heavy turbolaser cannons and two heavy ion cannons at its front, complemented by thirty-four twin light turbolaser cannons along its sides. Consistent with Munificent-class starships, Battlecruiser 17 carried four squadrons, totaling forty-eight Vulture-class droid starfighters, and a complement of 150,000 battle droids. These droids were used for space combat, repelling boarding attempts, and engaging in ground battles.
During the Clone Wars conflict across the galaxy, in 22 BBY, Ryloth was attacked by the Separatist Alliance's droid forces. Following the successful invasion, a blockade was established in orbit, overseen by Captain Mar Tuuk from his Lucrehulk-class Battleship, supported by six Munificent-class frigates. In 21 BBY, Battlecruiser 17 joined their ranks; the cruiser and three other frigates were stationed outside the Ryloth system, as Tuuk foresaw an incoming Galactic Republic assault.
As Tuuk had anticipated, the Republic deployed Jedi General Anakin Skywalker's fleet, consisting of three Venator-class Star Destroyers: the Resolute, Defender, and Redeemer. Deploying vulture droids, the Republic's Blue Squadron starfighters, led by Skywalker's Padawan Ahsoka Tano, penetrated the Separatist lines, targeting the command ship. Recognizing the Republic's direct attack on the battleship, Battlecruiser 17 and three other frigates, including Battlecruiser 19, were called in to reinforce, overwhelming the Republic fleet. The Republic, caught in a trap, withdrew from the battle, losing the Redeemer during their escape.
Following the Republic's retreat for repairs, Tuuk ordered his fleet to prepare their armaments and crews, aware that the Republic commander was the famous Anakin Skywalker. Returning with a new strategy to disrupt the Separatist formation, Skywalker, aboard the Defender, offered Tuuk a false surrender in exchange for delivering food and medical aid to the starving locals. Although Tuuk discovered the ruse, the Defender intentionally collided with the Lucrehulk, effectively drawing the Resolute into the conflict. The Star Destroyer angled its hull, pulling the confused frigates out of formation, with their OOM command battle droids ordering a barrage upon the Resolute.
While the Resolute endured the bombardment, Commander Tano led another squadron of starfighters into battle. Employing BTL-B Y-wing starfighter/bombers, the Jedi Commander swiftly attacked and destroyed each of the Munificent-class frigates, including Battlecruiser 17. With the blockade completely eliminated, Jedi Generals Obi-Wan Kenobi and Mace Windu arrived with the Republic invasion force of Acclamator-class assault ships to land on the planet and successfully liberate Ryloth from Separatist control.
Battlecruiser 17 made its debut appearance in "Storm Over Ryloth," the nineteenth episode of the first season of the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series, which was broadcast on February 27, 2009.