FUEL INJECTOR

A fuel injector (10) for delivering gaseous fuel to an internal combustion engine, the fuel injector (10) comprising a nozzle body (14) provided with a nozzle bore (26); a valve needle assembly received within the nozzle bore (26) and including a valve needle (16) engageable with a seat region (42) to control gaseous fuel delivery through at least one outlet (24) of the injection nozzle (12); and at least a first actuator (52) and a second actuator (60), both the first actuator (52) and the second actuator (60) being coupled to a valve needle coupling member (64) which is operable to apply an opening force from the first actuator (52) and the second actuator (60) to an engagement surface (81) of the valve needle assembly to cause an opening movement thereof when the first actuator (52) and the second actuator (60) are actuated. The valve needle coupling member (64) defines a separation distance (D) with the engagement surface (81) of the valve needle assembly so that the valve needle coupling member (64) only impacts the engagement surface (81) when the valve needle coupling member (64) has moved through the separation distance following actuation, and whereby the valve needle coupling member (64) and the engagement surface (81) remains engaged through a full range of movement of the valve needle (16) to a full lift position.