Patent ID: 8861132

Claim:
A magnetic data storage system, comprising: a magnetic head; and guides on opposite sides of the magnetic head for directing a magnetic medium over the magnetic head, wherein the magnetic head includes: outer portions each having a tape bearing surface and an array of transducers selected from a group consisting of readers and writers; a central portion positioned between the outer portions, the central portion having a tape bearing surface and an array of transducers selected from a group consisting of readers and writers; wherein an inner edge of each of the tape bearing surfaces of the outer portions is adapted for skiving air from the magnetic medium when the magnetic medium travels in a direction from the central portion towards the respective outer portion, wherein the guides are oriented to direct the magnetic medium to fly over a leading one of the outer portions, engage a leading edge of the tape bearing surface of the central portion, and engage an inner edge of the tape bearing surface of a trailing one of the outer portions.