A system and method are provided for facilitating substantially seamless
interface between individual component systems for sensor fusion, data
exchange, and communication across a broad spectrum of component systems
in a vehicle without implicating hardware or software upgrade within
individual legacy systems and/or sensors. A universal translator is
provided to interface between individual system components that exchange
data in a seamless manner between legacy data formats and specific data
formats advantageously employed by newly-developed, procured and
installed individual component systems. One or more of an analog, digital
or serial communications gateway network between one or more of vehicle
control components and installed communication, navigation, surveillance
and/or sensor sub-components and/or systems provides substantially
seamless integration between such systems regardless of the individual
data format and exchange capabilities to which the individual systems or
sub-components may be designed.