Observations have been made on the acoustic emission (AE) response related to the deformation-damage mechanisms during tensile tests of a common engine material, Incoloy 901 superalloy. Results show that dislocation motion, twinning and inclusion fracture cooperated to generate acoustic emission during tensile deformation of Incoloy 901. Based on AE recorded results and microstructural examination, a dislocation-saturation model was developed to describe AE activity during elastic and plastic deformation, and to distinguish between the AE response in the yield region and in the work-hardening region. Furthermore, the effects of strain rate and loading methods on AE outputs were examined. The dependence of acoustic emission on dislocation motion and saturation, deformation twinning, and decohesion and fracture of inclusions and secondary particles are discussed.