On 26 July 1958, Yu successfully completed the maiden flight of the JJ-1, which has since been celebrated as a landmark in the history of Chinese aviation.

[4][6] In August 1958, Yu performed an air show at the celebration ceremony for the successful development of the JJ-1, which was attended by Marshal Ye Jianying and the PLAAF Commander Liu Yalou.

In 1982, he succeeded Wang Hai as commander of the Guangzhou Military Region Air Force (MRAF).

[3] When Wang was promoted to commander of the PLAAF in July 1985, Yu was appointed his deputy and placed in charge of schools, training, and maintenance.

[7] Yu attained the rank of full general in January 1996,[2] and was elected an alternate member of the 13th Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party.