diff --git a/libraries/AP_RangeFinder/AP_RangeFinder_MAVLink.cpp b/libraries/AP_RangeFinder/AP_RangeFinder_MAVLink.cpp
index 3768348d05..fbc3e3cb42 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_RangeFinder/AP_RangeFinder_MAVLink.cpp
+++ b/libraries/AP_RangeFinder/AP_RangeFinder_MAVLink.cpp
@@ -56,6 +56,7 @@ void AP_RangeFinder_MAVLink::handle_msg(mavlink_message_t *msg)
         last_update_ms = AP_HAL::millis();
         distance_cm = packet.current_distance;
     }
+    sensor_type = (MAV_DISTANCE_SENSOR)packet.type;
 }
 
 /*