Abstract: A low pressure drop check valve includes an apertured, streamlined guide body (45) mounted on struts (40) which accommodate thermal and fluid loading and also includes a streamlined poppet or valve element (35) disposed within a housing. Forward flow through the valve unseats the valve member, which receives therewithin a face (50) of the guide body allowing flow around the valve member and guide body. Reverse flow is accommodated by apertures (60) and (65) in the guide body, flow through the apertures being applied to an inner surface of the valve element, thereby seating of the valve element for blocking such reverse flow. The check valve is also provided with means (70) and (85) for minimizing valve element oscillation and bounce. Maintenance of the valve in an open condition is enhanced by maintenance of a low pressure region downstream of the poppet.