What operation is commonly converted to for handling higher flows during a rural hitch?

The correct operation for handling higher flows during a rural hitch is indeed the drop tank operation. This method is specifically designed to manage significant water supply needs in areas where hydrants may be sparse or non-existent, which is often the case in rural environments.

In drop tank operations, large tanks are positioned to receive water from a fire engine or a water source, allowing for efficient filling and refilling by tankers. Once filled, a fire engine can draw from these tanks to supply water to the fire scene. This system allows for greater flexibility and sustained water supply, enabling firefighters to maintain effective operations over extended periods, especially crucial when combating larger wildfires or when attack lines require continued water flow.

The other options listed, while relevant to water supply operations, do not specifically address the demand for higher flows in rural fire scenarios as directly as the drop tank operation. Pressure tank operations typically deal with maintaining pressure within water supply lines, transfer tank operations focus on moving water from one location to another, and static supply operations emphasize using existing water sources without the specialized setup for higher flow demands that drop tanks provide.