[[Image:Exterminatus.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Exterminatus being performed on a planet using Cyclonic Torpedoescyclonic torpedoes]]'''Cyclonic Torpedoestorpedoes''' are a category of [[Torpedotorpedo]] utilized by the [[Imperium]] for orbital bombardment of a planet once [[Exterminatus]] has been invoked. A wide variety of weapons fit the definition of cyclonic torpedoes, and employ varying means of scouring the world's surface, from nucleonic fire to raw plasma.{{Fn|1}} Whatever their method of destruction, the effect of cyclonic torpedoes is the same: the complete destruction of all life on the planet, its atmosphere burned away in a storm of fire and its oceans boiled to vapour, leaving it a barren rock.{{Fn|2}}

A wide variety of weapons fit the definition of cyclonic torpedoes, and employ varying means of scouring the world's surface, from nucleonic fire to raw plasma,{{Fn|1}} or even deadly radiation.{{Fn|4a}} The nucleonic fires are sustained by an arcane process known only factions within the Imperium known to have these weapons are the high ranking [[InquisitionAdeptus Mechanicus|Mechanicus]] and the [[Adeptus Astartestech-priest]]s, though converting raw matter into energy until the Inquisition entire planet is the only power with the authority to order an Exterimatusengulfed by a raging inferno.{{Cite ThisFn|4b}} Edit note: This last point is debatable. For example Whatever their method of destruction, [[Gabriel Angelos]] of the Blood Ravens declared Exterminatus on his homeworld of [[Cyrene]], and [[Chapter Masters]] effect of the Space Marines are said to also be able to do so. What this should probably say cyclonic torpedoes is that the Inquisition is same: the only power with complete destruction of all life on the authority planet, its atmosphere burned away in a storm of fire and its oceans boiled to order Exterminatus with no restrictionsvapour, as their authority is absoluteleaving it a barren rock.{{Fn|2}}

'''Two-stage torpedoes''' The only factions within the Imperium known to have these weapons are a more exotic version of the cyclonic torpedo. Though the warhead is still the same, the delivery system is radically different. Instead of exploding on impact, this device will burrow though a planet's surface with a [[Melta chargeInquisition]], and detonate at the core. This will destabilize a planet, and will shatter that world in many cases. They are used against worlds that are devoid of atmosphere or biological life, such as [[Necron]] [[Tomb worldsAdeptus Astartes]]. Sources conflict on to what extent the Space Marines have the authority to declare Exterminatus without the assent of an Inquisitor, but agree that Inquisitors have the authority on their own recognizance.{{Cite This}}

In 928.M41 a pair of two-stage cyclonic torpedo's were used to destroy the Necron Tomb World of [[Seneschal]] on the orders of [[Inquisitor]] [[Nathan Flintlock]].{{CiteFn|3}}

*{{Endn|2}}: [[Nightbringer (Novel)]] by , Chapter Sixteen, pg. 280*{{Endn|3}}: [[Graham McNeillWhite Dwarf 287 (UK)]], Chapter Sixteen, pg. 28068 - ''Dying Flame - Last Stand of the Firebrands''*4: [[Tactica Imperialis (Background Book)]]:**{{Endn|4a}}: pg. 66**{{Endn|4b}}: pg. 69