A servovalve apparatus for use in fluid systems which comprises an elongate flexible valve element having a fixed end and a free, movable end, and a conductive coil which surrounds at least a portion of the valve element adjacent its fixed end. An armature is secured to the valve element so as to be adjacent the conductive coil. Two permanent magnets, are provided adjacent the armature on opposite sides thereof, the magnets being positioned such that one magnet presents a north magnetic pole facing the armature and the other magnet presents a south magnetic pole facing the armature. A receiving plate is provided adjacent the free end of the valve element, the receiving plate having one or more channels formed therein for receiving fluid, and a bore for delivering fluid. Preferably, the channels and bore in the receiving plate originate within and communicate with a concave socket in the receiving plate which has substantially the same radius of curvature as the path over which the free end of the valve element moves during flexure. A deflection cup is disposed on the free end of the valve element to move adjacent the surface of the concave socket and selectively redirect fluid from the bore to one of the channels.