A solid state, linear array piezoelectric acoustic image converter is described which has been developed for realtime underwater viewing, especially in turbid and/or turbulent oceanic environments. Sensitivity and resolution of the acoustoelectric transducer are on the order of 10−11W/cm2and 1 mm, respectively, at a frequency of 2.5 MHz. Imaging range up to 10 m is possible in turbidity concentrations of suspended ocean sediment (average particle diameter from 1 to 10 &mgr;) of several thousand parts per million. Expected ranges are at least five times larger in clear water. Fabrication and performance of the transducer array are discussed. Image scanning mirror, internal and external electronic circuitry, and the image display, all associated with the hydroacoustic converter, are also delineated.