Abstract: An electromagnetically operated fluid control valve having an armature mounted within the valve housing and a coil assembly mounted outside of the housing. Actuation of the coil assembly causes the armature to shift away from a valve port, thereby allowing fluid flow through the port. The armature is mounted on the housing by means of a torsion bar which permits fluid flow to be proportional to the input signal to the coil assembly and minimizes hysteresis. The coil assembly includes a permanent magnet and also a pair of pole pieces. Pole extensions are sealed in the housing wall in alignment with the pole pieces and adjacent to the armature. Thus, the coil assembly is not subject to corrosion or contamination from fluid passing through the valve.