Direct control fuel injector with dual flow rate orifice

A fuel injector includes an injector body that defines a nozzle outlet, and a needle control chamber that is in fluid communication with a needle control passage. A needle valve member is positioned in the injector body, and has a closing hydraulic surface exposed to fluid pressure in the needle control chamber. The needle valve member is moveable between a first position in which the nozzle outlet is blocked, and a second position in which the nozzle outlet is open. The needle control passage includes a dual flow rate orifice. Hydraulic fluid is displaced into the needle control chamber through the dual flow rate orifice when the needle valve member moves from its second position toward its first position. Hydraulic fluid is displaced out of the needle control chamber through the dual flow rate orifice when the needle valve member moves from its first position toward its second position. A compression spring is operably positioned to bias the needle valve member toward its first position.