Semirara donates aircraft to AFP

Consunji-led Semirara Mining and Power Corporation on Friday donated a military transport aircraft to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ,which can provide support to its ground troops.

The Short Brothers & Harland SD3-30 aircraft was turned over to the Philippine Army on Thursday, AFP public affairs chief Col. Jerry Baclor said. The twin-engine turbo-prop aircraft has a speed of 291 kilometers per hour and can fit 27 passengers.

Officials led by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Andres Centino and Defense Usec. Cardozo Luna were present at the turnover ceremony.

“Donating the Short SD3-30 Sherpa aircraft is the most sustainable means of developing the Philippine Army’s aviation force aside from procurement. Likewise, this will greatly impact the accomplishments of the unit’s mission of providing aviation support to its ground forces,” Luna said.

The aircraft currently has 15,141 cycles and is fitted with Pratt & Whitney PT6-45R engines and two Hartzell five-bladed metal propellers.