A dual mode ultrasound system is described which comprises a mode selection switch (20) operable to select either a linear mode of scanning or a sector mode of scanning, an ultrasound transducer including a curved array of transducer elements having a front face, and a beamformer, responsive to the mode selection switch and coupled to the elements of the curved array, and operable in a first linear mode to cause the curved array to transmit and receive beams normal to the face of the array, and operable in a second sector mode to cause the curved array to transmit and receive beams emanating from a common apex.
