EVENDALE, Ohio - After an intense technical evaluation, the Air Force of Chile (Fuerza Aerea de Chile) has selected GE's F110 fighter engine to power its new fleet of F-16 aircraft. Chile now joins the family of GE F110 operators with more than 2,100 F110 engines on order or in service for the F-16C/D fleet worldwide, making it the best-selling engine for this aircraft.In late 2000, the Government of Chile announced the selection and the beginning of negotiations for the purchase of 10 to 12 new production Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Fighting Falcons. The GE-powered F-16C/Ds are a major part of the Fuerza Aerea de Chile's modernization program to incorporate 21st century technology while significantly reducing its operating costs."We are very gratified by the Fuerza Aerea de Chile selection," said Russ Sparks, vice president and general manager of Military Engines Operation at GE Aircraft Engines. "The F110 has an outstanding performance record on the F-16. In addition, this selection reflects our longtime support of the Fuerza Aerea de Chile, and we look forward to expanding that role in the future."For many years, the Chilean government has operated Cessna A-37B and Northrop F-5E/F aircraft, both powered by GE's J85 engine.Chile's F-16C/D aircraft will be powered by the F110-GE-129 engine (rated at 29,000 pounds of thrust), which first entered operational service in 1992. In addition to Chile, the F110 engine family has been selected to power F-16s for the United States Air Force, Bahrain, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Turkey, and United Arab Emirates, as well as for Japan's F-2 fighter.