This helmet concept is designed to provide superior impact protection by absorbing and redistributing energy in ways current helmets do not. The outer shell is separated into multiple individual panels interconnected by a structural frame in which all components are compliantly attached to each other. Each panel can move in any direction to react to an impact in the most energy absorbing manner. The flexible shell, coupled with an internal air bladder which redistributes air through channels to opposing sides of the helmet, allows for the distribution of energy from the impact zone across the entire structure.