Altitude insensitive air bearing slider

摘要

The air bearing surface of an air bearing slider is formed with first and second side rails and a central recess. The rails are configured to have an inverted U-shaped section and a connecting partial trapezoidal-type section. The U-shaped section has a base joined to two spaced legs, wherein one leg is preferably longer than the other. A continuous recess is provided between the legs of each side rail and extends from the base towards the trailing end of the slider and adjacent to the trapezoidal-type section. The slider is effectively insensitive to changes in air pressure, particularly in variations in altitude, so that a substantially constant flying height can be maintained.