This variant received many changes, when compared to the original Italian design and received the denomination of Kb-6 (although it was commonly known as the KB-309) and the nickname of 'Papagal' (Bulgarian word for 'Parrot'). At request of the RBAF it was built as a light transport aircraft, without defensive machine gun arrangement, but retaining bombing and photographic capabilities.
Bomb aim equipment was placed in the nose, which was enlengthened and the tail section was also changed. In the original Italian version, if the tail wheel strut broke, or if its tire burst, the tail could hit the ground damaging seriously the fuselage. Therefore, in the Bulgarian version, the tail was curtailed. Landing gear was also changed, in the Ca.309 it was completely covered, at least in the initial versions, while in the Papagal, it was completely open. This was done because of the harsh winter and autumn conditions present in the unpaved Bulgarian airfields. The main cabin, placed just behind the cockpit, was well glazed with provision to fit passenger seats or radio equipment. Some few of them were used for airborne radio operator training, with up to 4 trainees. It was powered by two German 240 hp Argus As.10C engines, instead of the original Alfa-Romeo ones.
It was officially adopted by the RBAF in 1940, when the prototype was accepted by the RBAF for testing on 28th November 1940 with a mild reception among Bulgarian pilots. The main handicap was a long instability when taking off and flying. However, it once known how to handle it, turned out to be a reliable and unpretentious aircraft, which could serve as a light transport, communications and trainer and was active until 1946.
A total of just 24 Papagals were manufactured at Kaproni-Bulgarski's Kazanlak factory in 1941, except for the prototype which was completed in late 1940.
Sources:
1. http://www.airwar.ru/enc/spyww2/kb6.html (translated)
2. http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/bulgaria/af/types/kb.htm
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caproni_Ca.309
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