A flow control valve system (20) has a housing (22) that defines a flow path (26), a throttle element (50) disposed in the flow path, and a linkage assembly (52) coupled to the throttle element and oriented substantially outside the flow path. With such an orientation, the linkage assembly has minimal effect on a pressure gradient or pressure drop within the flow control valve system. As such, the linkage assembly allows the flow control valve system to deliver fluid from a fluid input channel to a fluid output channel at a relatively large volume flow rate.