Abstract: Firstly, according to the requirements of multiple functions and multiple tasks for sky-wave over-the-horizon radar, the characteristics of task programming has been described combined with propagation channel-ionosphere, and spectrum occupy. Furthermore, the mechanism, operating modes and parameters for different type of targets has also been discussed and a new task programming method has been proposed. Then, on the basis of statistics of parameters, such as the loss of propagation path, noise level and sea clutter amplitude, the performance evaluation function and process of task programming have been proposed. Finally, the programming results are given to analyze and evaluate for different optimizing criterions.