The only physical differences between this and the Fighter (besides the uprated engines) are the wing and the wing-mounted plasma lasers. The lasers are uprated versions of the internally-mounted plasma lasers and are mounted on the end of pylons extending from the middle of the ship (the "wings").

Since the Escort Fighter is not capable of planetary flight, the "wing" shape of the pylons is not necessary but was chosen for several reasons. Physically speaking, the pylon needed to have a broad base to attach to the ship more easily, but the broad shape is not needed near the lasers themselves--thus the "tapered" shape. This also gives a smaller amount of surface area to the pylon, thus making a smaller target. Also, the "wing" is more asthetically pleasing than a simple plyon would be.