A vibration test fixture having a slip plate adapted for carrying an article affixed thereto and having applied thereto a reciprocating sliding motion for use in shock or vibration testing of the article, comprising: hydrostatic bearing means affixed in a stationary position for supporting the slip plate for reciprocating sliding travel on the bearing means during testing, the bearing means having a generally planar, two-dimensional bearing surface to support a generally planar, two-dimensional lower surface of the moving slip plate ; an elongated single axis guide member of generally T-shaped cross section affixed to the slip plate , the guide member extending away from the lower surface of the slip plate for sliding connection to a corresponding linear channel of generally T-shaped cross section in the bearing means for guiding said reciprocating sliding travel of the slip plate along a longitudinal axis of travel on said bearing surface , said sliding connection of the guide member to the linear channel including means for restraining lateral movement of the slip plate relative to the longitudinal axis of travel of the slip plate , and means for restraining vertical movement of said slip plate relative to the bearing surface during longitudinal travel of the slip plate ; and a plurality of oil distribution grooves extending into the bearing surface of the hydrostatic bearing means , characterized by : each groove defining an independent pressure area surrounded by the respective groove for the vibration test fixture and each groove having an individual flow restrictor for supplying lubricating oil to the groove for lubricating the reciprocating longitudinal travel of the slip plate on the bearing surface , wherein each individual flow restrictor allows each individual pressure area of the respective groove to resist external loads independently of any of the other grooves in the flat bearing surface . hydrostatic bearing means affixed in a stationary position for supporting the slip plate for reciprocating sliding travel on the bearing means during testing, the bearing means having a generally planar, two-dimensional bearing surface to support a generally planar, two-dimensional lower surface of the moving slip plate ; an elongated single axis guide member of generally T-shaped cross section affixed to the slip plate , the guide member extending away from the lower surface of the slip plate for sliding connection to a corresponding linear channel of generally T-shaped cross section in the bearing means for guiding said reciprocating sliding travel of the slip plate along a longitudinal axis of travel on said bearing surface , said sliding connection of the guide member to the linear channel including means for restraining lateral movement of the slip plate relative to the longitudinal axis of travel of the slip plate , and means for restraining vertical movement of said slip plate relative to the bearing surface during longitudinal travel of the slip plate ; and a plurality of oil distribution grooves extending into the bearing surface of the hydrostatic bearing means , characterized by : each groove defining an independent pressure area surrounded by the respective groove for the vibration test fixture and each groove having an individual flow restrictor for supplying lubricating oil to the groove for lubricating the reciprocating longitudinal travel of the slip plate on the bearing surface , wherein each individual flow restrictor allows each individual pressure area of the respective groove to resist external loads independently of any of the other grooves in the flat bearing surface . <EOS>