diff --git a/libraries/AP_HAL/RCOutput.h b/libraries/AP_HAL/RCOutput.h
index f2a49033b6..e78732cac9 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_HAL/RCOutput.h
+++ b/libraries/AP_HAL/RCOutput.h
@@ -108,6 +108,11 @@ public:
      */
     virtual void     set_esc_scaling(uint16_t min_pwm, uint16_t max_pwm) {}
 
+    /*
+      enable SBUS out at the given rate
+     */
+    virtual bool     enable_sbus_out(uint16_t rate_gz) { return false; }
+    
     /*
       output modes. Allows for support of oneshot
      */