B17

B-17 most commonly refers to the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, a four‑engine heavy bomber used by the United States Army Air Forces in the late 1930s through World War II. Developed by Boeing, it was designed for high‑altitude daytime strategic bombing and became known for its rugged durability and ability to return home after sustaining heavy battle damage. About 12,700 B‑17s were produced by Boeing and partner factories. The aircraft typically carried a crew of around ten and was heavily armed with multiple .50 caliber machine guns positioned in the nose, dorsal, tail, and waist areas; the later B‑17G variant added a chin turret to improve forward defense. In service, the B‑17 played a central role in Allied daylight bombing campaigns over Europe, contributing to air superiority despite substantial loss rates.

The designation B17 may also refer to vitamin B17, a name commonly used for amygdalin, a compound found in the seeds of certain fruits such as apricots, almonds, and peaches. In the mid‑ to late 20th century, amygdalin was promoted as Laetrile, a cancer treatment, but it is not an approved or proven therapy. Regulatory agencies have warned that amygdalin/laetrile can cause cyanide poisoning and that there is no reliable evidence of safety or efficacy. Medical organizations generally regard B17 as ineffective for cancer treatment and advise against its use.

In summary, B17 can denote a historic American heavy bomber or a controversial compound once marketed as a vitamin, with the intended meaning driven by context.