Why does a MAAS set come with a 90 foot and 153 foot pendant cable?

The correct answer focuses on the requirement to accommodate different runway widths. A MAAS (Mobile Aircraft Arresting System) set includes both a 90-foot and a 153-foot pendant cable to ensure that it can effectively engage with various types of aircraft and their corresponding stopping needs across multiple runway setups. Different runways may have different widths, so having cables of multiple lengths allows the system to be adaptable and ensure the necessary safety measures can be implemented regardless of the specific runway configuration.

Using different lengths of pendant cables provides flexibility in operational contexts. If the cables were the same length, there may be limitations in terms of the types of aircraft that could use the system safely or efficiently. By offering both sizes, the MAAS can better address operational requirements across diverse airfield designs and configurations.

Additional options provided might relate to specific operational factors, such as minimizing tape exposure or reducing the amount that needs to be cropped, but they do not directly address the main purpose of ensuring functionality across various runway widths which is the primary concern of a MAAS setup.