The T-8 disruptor represented a specific disruptor model utilized by the Galactic Empire. In the year 4 BBY, an employee of the Imperial Information Office named Tseebo utilized his AJ^6 cyborg construct to pilfer the schematics for the newly developed T-8 before deserting to join the rebellion.
The T-8 disruptor was initially referenced within "Empire Day," the sixth episode from the first season of the canon animated show Star Wars Rebels. This episode was initially available on demand on November 10, 2014, and then premiered on television the subsequent week via Disney XD on November 17, 2014.