diff --git a/libraries/AP_Motors/AP_Motors_Class.cpp b/libraries/AP_Motors/AP_Motors_Class.cpp
index 9a689a6e56..1c9662b865 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_Motors/AP_Motors_Class.cpp
+++ b/libraries/AP_Motors/AP_Motors_Class.cpp
@@ -48,6 +48,17 @@ AP_Motors::AP_Motors(uint16_t loop_rate, uint16_t speed_hz) :
     _thrust_balanced = true;
 };
 
+void AP_Motors::get_frame_and_type_string(char *buffer, uint8_t buflen) const
+{
+    const char *frame_str = get_frame_string();
+    const char *type_str = get_type_string();
+    if (type_str != nullptr && strlen(type_str)) {
+        hal.util->snprintf(buffer, buflen, "Frame: %s/%s", frame_str, type_str);
+    } else {
+        hal.util->snprintf(buffer, buflen, "Frame: %s", frame_str);
+    }
+}
+
 void AP_Motors::armed(bool arm)
 {
     if (_armed != arm) {
diff --git a/libraries/AP_Motors/AP_Motors_Class.h b/libraries/AP_Motors/AP_Motors_Class.h
index c6204563cc..81a77df2a5 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_Motors/AP_Motors_Class.h
+++ b/libraries/AP_Motors/AP_Motors_Class.h
@@ -74,6 +74,9 @@ public:
     // return string corresponding to frame_type
     virtual const char* get_type_string() const { return ""; }
 
+    // returns a formatted string into buffer, e.g. "QUAD/X"
+    void get_frame_and_type_string(char *buffer, uint8_t buflen) const;
+
     // Constructor
     AP_Motors(uint16_t loop_rate, uint16_t speed_hz = AP_MOTORS_SPEED_DEFAULT);