Well you haven't seen the entire explosion
I clicked it a split second after it exploded so you are seeing just the beginning!
There is a much bigger explosion and the screen fades to yellow for a second.
Yes destroying a base will effect your reputation as you will find out the minute you kill it
I've been planning this for my mod for awhile now.
Each base has around 5,000,000 hp and the battleships have 2,500,000 hp.
It will not be an easy task to take one out at all. I have more less made these group encounters. A full 50 torpedos will only do 2.5 mill at max. If the bases don't shoot then down :p hehe.
You'll really like it when I finish my mod. I am just about finished and will probably be releasing it tommorow.
Part of the Freelancer SDK Team
http://www.homebs.com/flsdk/
Tutorials, Utilties, Mods, and much more.