Missions & Complexes

Try building it in EVE Fitting Tool
You just need to add your API to the program and you will be able to fit ships with your own skills.

I don't have super knowledge on fittings for Tengu's but I am pretty sure a T2 fit Tengu should be able to tank any highsec complex/anomaly if you're using the correct damage types.
I often run Gurista Complexes with my alt in a T2 fit Loki and she has never had her tank broken.

This.

There is a reason HM are overused. Even they really arent the most optimal for frigates. But at least they have the RAAAAANGE

Pretty lame to refit a Tengu in High sec sorry. The whole point of a T3 is no refitting.

Also, getting in close with a Tengu is never a good idea.

There's an awful lot wrong with this plan. You're using T1 HAMs, which means no Javelin, which means you are seriously range limited. You're using HAMs at all in a frigate-rich environment. You're using HAMs to prevent getting targets stolen but forgetting their range issues. You're using HAMs on a Tengu.

You're fitting a non-probing sub in high sec -- and you're not even replacing it with a Dissolution Sequencer, which would at least prevent damps being as issue, which they well could be in Serpentis space.

I know it's annoying that standard fits predominate, but there's reason for it. I'd suggest you try the mold before you break it and see how it works for you.

For Highsec you don't need 6 launchers. 5 is more than enough as the Tengu is such overkill to begin with.

[Tengu, Exploration Tengu-Toy2]

Caldari Navy Ballistic Control System
Caldari Navy Ballistic Control System
Ballistic Control System II

Adaptive Invulnerability Field II
Shield Boost Amplifier II
Pithum C-Type Medium Shield Booster
Cap Recharger II
EM Ward Field II
10MN Afterburner II
Codebreaker I

Heavy Missile Launcher II, Scourge Fury Heavy Missile
Heavy Missile Launcher II, Scourge Fury Heavy Missile
Heavy Missile Launcher II, Scourge Fury Heavy Missile
Heavy Missile Launcher II, Scourge Fury Heavy Missile
Heavy Missile Launcher II, Scourge Fury Heavy Missile
Sisters Expanded Probe Launcher, Deep Space Scanner Probe I

Medium Capacitor Control Circuit I
Medium Warhead Flare Catalyst I
Medium Warhead Rigor Catalyst I

Tengu Defensive - Amplification Node
Tengu Electronics - Emergent Locus Analyzer
Tengu Propulsion - Fuel Catalyst
Tengu Offensive - Accelerated Ejection Bay
Tengu Engineering - Augmented Capacitor Reservoir

[edit] while my fit has some pimp, everything still fits if you drop them to T2

Which is exactly what my fit is. I'm pretty sure the OP is asking or thinking of a fit with 6 launchers + Probe launcher. Which would require 7 high slots.

dang missed that somehow. I stand corrected.

Still, I've never needed 6 launchers in any high sec site.

Guessing I might as well jump into this thread rather than making new ones. I'm quite new to the whole exploration thing. I know how to use the probes to scan down sites from researching and watching quite a few good tutorials on youtube as well as great guides written by numerous people.

I have a few questions though.

Up until now I've used a Heron, fitted with Sisters Core Probe launcher, salvager, codebreaker, analyzer and an MWD to zip between the boxes. Whenever there has been rats around, even though they are pretty weak highsec rats I've been forced to switch to my alt on a 2nd account to fly in and blow them up since my own combat skills are pretty lacking (Hybrid turrets 1 ... Missile Launchers 1... you get the idea).

Based on that it's pretty obvious I need to step up from the Heron and find a ship that can both scan as well as blow up the rats to avoid the dualboxing, plus save some time. I'm considering just training up the Astro skills in my more combat oriented character rather than training combat on this character. But what ships would you recommend (besides the Tengu which seems to be the obvious "end goal" as far as exploration ships go).

I was thinking about a Worm, but every fit I can find with the Worm have none of the exploration modules fitted (i.e. no salvager, codebreaker or analyzer). Is it common to carry those in cargo and then fly to stations to refit for every site you want to do?

Then I looked at the Cormorant and put together a fit that has all the exploration mods fitted (like the codebreaker/salvager/analyzer) with both 75mm rails as well as putting blasters on, plus an MWD and MSE. Anyone have experience with using a Cormorant as a no-pitstops exploration ship ? Granted, it can't handle DED 4/10's and such, but still.

I haven't really looked that much on cruisers just yet, and I dunno if Caldari have any cruisers that would be good for fitting exploration mods on. The Caracal seems like it would suffer quite a bit by taking up module slots to fit exploration mods. The Moa I honestly haven't looked at much at all since past Small Hybrids my combat alt is fully trained into missiles and not gunnery.

Anyways, what I'm really looking for is some pointers from more experienced explorers on what ships to be using/advance to while still working on getting a Tengu, but not being quite there yet.

Drake won't fit into many High sec DED sites.

No.