You get more "HIt Points" or "Health Points" [ability to withstand damage] and attack points and I think defense points. Which means thats on top of the average % percentage of what your research says your ship has eg a tech like Turbo Phasers gives you 10% weapons [attack points of what the base value is] it adds to the attack value, but high leveled veteran ships get some bonuses. Hope thats right and helpfull.
If anyone can say this a little more clearer than I did your welcome to